Girona 1-4 Real Madrid
Real Madrid went to the top of La Liga tonight after sweeping Girona aside at the Municipal de Montilivi.
Karim Benzema was on target twice as Los Blancos recovered from a goal deficit to win in style. We billed La Liga Girona vs Real Madrid as a David versus Goliath meeting but as sister club to Premier League champions Manchester City, Girona has ambition. And level at halftime, they were right in the game. But the European champions clicked through the gears in the second half to coast to victory.
Amidst speculation that Los Blancos could struggle to win La Liga without Cristiano Ronaldo, Julen Lopetegui has insisted his team will fight on all fronts in a quest for silverware. And his opposite number, Eusebio Sacristan insisted Real Madrid is still a team capable of beating anyone, saying: “The Madrid coach gives them freedom of movement, they create superiority on the pitch, they have physical and technical power – through this freedom they try to overcome rivals.”
Sacristan was right on all counts and Los Blancos sent out a clear message to anyone suggesting they were no longer a major force.
Highlights of the Game
But Girona drew first blood and it only took the hosts 16 minutes to take the lead. First Anthony Lozano had a shot blocked, but when Borja Garcia had a chance he fired his shot into the top right corner. La Liga Girona vs Real Madrid news of a home win would be headline-grabbing, but it was too early for the home fans to dream.
The hosts had their tails up though and Juanpe had a shot from distance which Keylor Navas held. Midfielder Pere Pons had a shot blocked and then fired another chance high and wide. But as the half wore on Los Blancos began to show some intent and first Marcelo, and then Sergio Ramos had attempts on goal.
Lopetegui’s team began to crank up the pressure, Isco and Karim Benzema having decent attempts and then the breakthrough, and equaliser, came on 39 minutes. Marco Asensio was fouled in the penalty box by Marc Muniesa and the referee pointed to the spot.
Sergio Ramos has taken the penalty taking responsibility following the departure of Ronaldo and he’s doing just fine, stepping up to fire the spot kick straight down the middle and into the net.
Now that Ronaldo has gone, much will rest on the shoulders of Gareth Bale and he starred in the opening day win over Getafe but Coach Julen Lopetegui has been careful not to heap to much pressure on his player’s shoulders. Bale had a quiet first half but he had the first effort of the second period, taking a pass from Benzema but shooting over the bar.
And then, on 51 minutes Marco Asensio did the trick again, this time drawing a foul from Pere Pons. Sergio Ramos did the decent thing and gave Benzema the opportunity, and the French striker took it happily, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
Girona tried to hit back quickly, but Navas was equal to Lozano’s header, and then, on the hour, Los Blancos made it 1-3 with a fast break, Isco feeding Bale and the Welshman swept the ball home.
Real Madrid was beginning to look like is old self and when Benzema fed Toni Kroos just outside the box, the German maestro fired hard and low but his shot was saved. Then, on 80 minutes, a comfortable win turned into a rout when Gareth Bale turned provider, finding Benzema in the centre of the box and his strike partner slotted home his second.
Key Statistics
It may not have been David vs Goliath but La Liga Girona vs Real Madrid odds were always going to point towards the grand masters of Spanish football. And after an evenly contested first half, Los Blancos eventually ran out convincing winners.
With 66 per cent possession and a shot count of 20 to 10, this was a pretty compelling performance and a decent answer to any critics who suggested that Atletico were now the top dogs in Madrid.
Girona only had one clear-cut chance and they put that one away but a 1-4 defeat was a little harsh.
What’s next?
Girona visits Villarreal on Friday and that will be a game we’ll be watching carefully at SBOBET. The Yellow Submarine looks capable of having another good season and, despite this setback, Girona will hope to ruffle a few feathers.
And Los Blancos can look forward to a Madrid Derby at the Bernabeu, but it’s not title hopefuls Atletico in the visitors dressing room, Leganes is the visitor.
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