Real Madrid narrowed the deficit on LaLiga frontrunners Barcelona to just two points after a dominant 3-0 victory over Girona on Saturday. Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe were the goal scorers for Real Madrid. With 36 points and a game in hand, Real Madrid currently occupy second place in the standings, while Barcelona drew 2-2 against Real Betis. Girona, on the other hand, suffered their sixth defeat in 16 league matches and remain in eighth position with 22 points, just two points away from the European qualification spots.
Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute by taking advantage of a loose ball and unleashing a shot from the centre of the box. He then provided a brilliant through ball to Guler, who doubled Real Madrid’s lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Despite his outstanding performance, Bellingham was forced off the pitch due to an injury shortly before Mbappe sealed the victory with a precise strike from a tight angle in the 62nd minute.
Real Madrid manager Ancelotti assured reporters that Bellingham’s condition was satisfactory, but expressed concern over full-back Ferland Mendy, who suffered a muscular problem ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday.
“(Bellingham) is absolutely fine and ready to play. Mendy has had a muscle injury, but the rest are just minor knocks,” the Italian manager confirmed. Girona has been facing difficulties due to key players being sidelined with injuries, which poses a challenge as they prepare to face Liverpool at home in the Champions League on Tuesday and Mallorca away in LaLiga next Saturday. “Our team has been greatly affected by injuries, and it’s taking a toll on us. However, we still have several months ahead of us to continue improving,” expressed Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez in an interview with Movistar. “We must persevere and focus on the two crucial upcoming matches. In the Champions League, our aim is to progress against Liverpool, and in LaLiga, we face a significant challenge against Mallorca.”
Girona currently occupies the 30th position in the Champions League table, trailing three points behind Real, who are in 24th place and hold the final qualifying spot for the playoffs.
