Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways when they host Girona at the Bernabeu in matchday 31 of La Liga.
Having lost their last two games across competitions, Real Madrid players could face the heat at the Bernabeu when they play host to Girona in La Liga. The visitors will look to build on their win last time out, while Alvaro Arbeloa’s team will look to regain momentum ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
The home team are second in the league with 69 points in their 30 outings. They are seven points behind league leaders Barcelona, having lost their last league games to RCD Mallorca. While catching up to the Catalan club looks very unlikely with only a handful of games to go, Arbeloa’s team will certainly try to win every game and stay in the mix.
The Merengues are heading into this fixture on the back of a massive 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Los Blancos will be eager to get things back on track with a dominant display here.
Meanwhile, the visitors are 12th on the table with 37 points in their 30 outings. Girona were looking at a potential relegation battle mid-way through the season, but a decent run of form has given them an eight-point cushion over the team in 18th.
While the Catalan outfit do have some breathing room, they cannot relax just yet. Girona are heading into this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Villarreal, which will certainly give them a lot of confidence ahead of this away trip to Madrid. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Real Madrid
Los Blancos remain without the services of Rodrygo (knee), Thibaut Courtois (thigh), and Franco Mastantuono (suspended). But they could have a massive boost as Ferland Mendy could return to the squad if he manages to pass a late fitness test.
Real Madrid will line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, where Andriy Lunin will continue in goal. Alvaro Arbeloa could make a few changes at the back, as Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia are expected to be the full-backs for this one. Meanwhile, Eder Militao could start alongside Dean Huijsen in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga could line up alongside Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. The trio will look to control the tempo and ensure they dominate the proceedings.
Jude Bellingham will once again play a part off the bench, gearing up for the Champions League 2nd leg. Arda Guler will continue in the number ten role, while the exit-linked Vinicius Junior will partner with Kylian Mbappe in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Vinicius, Mbappe
Girona
The visitors will be without the services of Portu (knee), Donny van de Beek (Achilles), Juan Carlos (knee), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (hamstring), and Ricard Artero (ankle). Vladyslav Vanat (thigh) and Daley Blind (muscle) both were subbed off in their last game, but Blind is still expected to be back in the XI for this one.
Girona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Paulo Gazzaniga will be in goal. Arnau Martinez and Alex Moreno will be the full-backs, while Vitor Reis will pair up with Daley Blind in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Fran Beltran and Axel Witsel will form the double pivot in the centre of the park. They will have a lot of defending to do against a star-studded REal Madrid team.
Viktor Tsygankov and Azzedine Ounahi will feature on the flanks. They will be waiting for chances to hit the home team on the break. Meanwhile, Ivan Martin will continue as the number ten, with Abel Ruiz coming into the starting XI to lead the line for Girona against Real Madrid.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martinez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Beltran, Witsel; Tsygankov, Martin, Ounahi; Ruiz
Key Stats
- Real Madrid have lost their last two games heading into this fixture, and they have suffered three defeats in their last six league games.
- Girona’s first-ever win against Real Madrid back in July 2017, while they defeated the team in white at the Bernabeu in February 2019.
- While Girona have three wins against Los Blancos, they have lost four out of their last five games against them.
- The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Real Madrid have won eight out of their last 13 games against Girona in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Vinicius Junior
While Kylian Mbappe did bag a goal against Bayern Munich, Vinicius Junior was not at his best, and he did miss some big chances. As a result, the Brazilian international will be eager to get on the score sheet and get in the groove before the second leg.
Despite a slowish start to the season, he still has 30 goal contributions in his 45 outings. But he has only bagged two goals in his last five league games, with both those strikes coming against Atletico Madrid. Vinicius Junior will certainly be fired up to make an impact here.
Prediction
Real Madrid 3-1 Girona
Real Madrid will head into this fixture with a point to prove after back-to-back defeats, and playing at the Bernabeu should push them to respond with intensity. With their attacking quality and midfield control, Los Blancos are expected to dominate proceedings and create plenty of chances as they look to regain momentum ahead of their crucial Champions League clash.
Girona, however, have shown they can trouble big teams and will look to stay organised while hitting on the counter through their wide players. While they might find moments to test Madrid’s defence, the home side’s superior firepower and urgency to bounce back should see them come out on top in a relatively comfortable outing. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the home team.
