Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Friday night under mounting pressure as they host Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu, looking to respond to consecutive defeats that have dented both domestic and European ambitions.
Los Blancos currently sit second in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona, while Girona arrive in Madrid occupying mid-table in 12th place.
It has been a difficult stretch for Real Madrid, whose title hopes took a significant blow following a 2-1 loss to Mallorca. That setback, combined with Barcelona’s victory over Atletico Madrid, has widened the gap at the top to seven points—leaving Real Madrid with little margin for error.
With just eight league matches remaining, the equation is simple: Madrid must win virtually every game and hope for a slip-up from their rivals.
Compounding their concerns is a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. That result means Friday’s fixture comes at a delicate moment, with one eye inevitably on the decisive return leg in Germany.
Still, home form offers encouragement. Madrid have been dominant at the Bernabéu this season, winning 13 of their 15 La Liga matches there. They now face a Girona side that has struggled on the road, collecting just 15 points from 15 away fixtures.
Historically, Madrid have also had the upper hand in this fixture, winning eight of the last 13 meetings across all competitions. However, the reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw, showing Girona’s ability to compete.
Managed by Michel, Girona head into this match with a degree of confidence after a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
That win, along with a previous success against Athletic Bilbao, means they have taken six points from their last three matches. While their position in 12th suggests a relatively comfortable mid-table finish, they remain seven points off the European places.
Girona’s recent history against Madrid is mixed. They have lost four of the last five encounters, including a 2-0 defeat in this fixture last season. However, they do have notable wins to their name, including a famous 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu in 2019.
With Madrid potentially distracted by European commitments, Girona may sense an opportunity to cause problems, especially if they remain compact and clinical on the counterattack.
Team News
Real Madrid will be without several key players. Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, and Franco Mastantuono are all unavailable, although Ferland Mendy is expected to return to the squad.Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to rotate slightly, but not excessively, given the importance of this match. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Fran Garcia, and Eduardo Camavinga are all pushing for starts.
There is good news for Madrid fans as Jude Bellingham has been confirmed fit to start. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni—suspended for the upcoming Champions League tie—should feature here, while the attacking duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are expected to lead the line.
Girona, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns. Portu, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Ricard Artero are all ruled out.
There are also doubts over Vladyslav Vanat and Daley Blind, both of whom picked up issues in the win over Villarreal. If Vanat misses out, Abel Ruiz is expected to step in, while Ivan Martin should continue in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid:Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Girona:
Gazzaniga; Martinez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Beltran, Witsel; Tsygankov, Martin, Ounahi; Ruiz
Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Girona
