In a beautiful La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Girona, drawing level on points with league leaders Barcelona.
The triumph, highlighted by Luka Modric’s stunning volley and a late strike from Vinícius Júnior, not only ended Los Blancos’ three-match winless streak but also underscored their determination in the title race.
The match commenced with Girona displaying early intent, as Arnau Martínez tested Thibaut Courtois with a sharp effort in the opening minutes. Real Madrid, however, gradually found their rhythm.
In the 41st minute, following a cleared corner, Modric showcased his enduring brilliance by chesting down the ball and unleashing a powerful volley from outside the box into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga with no chance.
Reflecting on his goal, Modric remarked, “I was on my own, I controlled the ball, I hit it well and it went in. It’s always special to score at the Bernabéu.”
The second half saw Real Madrid intensify their offensive efforts. Vinícius Júnior, a constant threat on the flank, came close to doubling the lead in the 58th minute when his long-range shot struck the crossbar.
Persistence paid off in the 83rd minute: Kylian Mbappé threaded a precise pass to Vinícius, who calmly slotted the ball under Gazzaniga, sealing the victory.
This marked Vinícius’ first league goal since November, a moment of personal redemption after several near misses earlier in the match.
Real Madrid’s attacking quartet—Mbappé, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo, and Vinícius—consistently pressured Girona’s defense, creating multiple scoring opportunities.
Despite the visitors’ organized play, they struggled to contain Madrid’s dynamic forward line. Girona’s most notable chance occurred in the 30th minute when Donny van de Beek’s side-footed shot was expertly saved by Courtois, preserving the home side’s clean sheet.
The victory propels Real Madrid to 54 points after 25 matches, equalling Barcelona’s tally but trailing due to head-to-head records.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “We played the game at a very high level. We were very humble at the back; we had a very high defensive commitment.”
Girona’s coach, Míchel, acknowledged the challenge posed by facing a team of Real Madrid’s caliber. He noted the impact of Modric’s goal, commenting, “Modric hizo un gol desde su casa; les dio tranquilidad” (“Modric scored a goal from his home; it gave them tranquility”).
This result not only boosts Real Madrid’s morale but also intensifies the competition at the summit of La Liga.
