By Darwin Largo
Real Madrid had a very demanding challenge on Saturday. They faced what has been their main rival this season 2023/24 in La Liga: Girona. In fact, Los Tozudos had only lost one match during the entire tournament, precisely against Los Merengues at the Montilivi Stadium, and started this matchday just three points behind them in the standings.
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Match of the week: Real Madrid and Girona face each other to be La Liga leaders
For Carlo Ancelotti's team, it was a big risk. Should they lose at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Girona would catch them at the top and the future of La Liga would be uncertain. On the contrary, a victory would allow them to take a considerable advantage and take a key step in the competition for the title, besides being a very hard blow for the enthusiasm of their rivals.
Real Madrid lived up to expectations and proved from start to finish that they are the best team in Spain right now. Things started perfectly for them, as 6 minutes into the first half Vinicius scored the opener with a beautiful right footed shot from outside the box that goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga could not save. And before the break the Brazilian winger assisted Jude Bellingham for the second goal.
In the second half things did not change. The hosts continued to dominate the ball and create chances to score, until again Bellingham netted the third after an excellent individual play by Vinicius. And a few minutes later Rodrygo Goes increased the lead after dribbling past several rival defenders.
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Vini and Bellingham are too much for Girona: Real Madrid are winning a key game
The great victory against Girona was not enough for Carlo Ancelotti to be 100% happy. This is because the coach was forced to replace Jude Bellingham a few minutes after the third goal. Apparently the English midfielder only had fatigue from the effort made during the match, but some fear that it is some physical problem that will prevent him from playing the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, next Tuesday against RB Leipzig in Germany.
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