Real Madrid continued their impressive push for the La Liga title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match, played on a chilly evening in Madrid, was a crucial one for Los Blancos as they sought to close the gap on leaders Barcelona. With the win, Real climbed to second place in the table, just a point behind their Catalan rivals, who have played a game more.
The star of the evening was none other than Luka Modrić, who delivered a moment of brilliance with a stunning long-range strike that put Real in front. While Karim Benzema also found the net with a typical poacher’s goal, it was Modrić’s sublime effort that stole the show and reaffirmed his status as one of the best midfielders in the world, even at the age of 38.
Real Madrid Dominate Early
From the first whistle, Real Madrid asserted their dominance on the match. Girona, who have enjoyed a strong season themselves, were no match for the intensity of the Madrid press, which left the visitors struggling to get a foothold in the game. The opening minutes were full of energy as the Bernabéu crowd urged their team forward.
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In the 10th minute, Real had their first significant chance. A slick pass from Toni Kroos found Vinícius Júnior, who cut inside from the left flank and forced Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga into a sharp save. Girona’s defense seemed to be caught off guard by the pace of Real’s attacking play, but they managed to hold firm, despite the early pressure.
Girona’s best chance came just after the quarter-hour mark, when they were awarded a free kick just outside Real’s penalty area. The set-piece was whipped into the box by Aleix García, but Real’s defense, led by Éder Militão and Antonio Rudiger, cleared their lines comfortably. The visitors’ inability to create clear-cut chances in the opening stages made it apparent that they were going to have to weather a storm if they were to stand a chance in this encounter.
Luka Modrić’s Masterpiece
Just after the half-hour mark, the breakthrough came. The ball fell to Luka Modrić just inside his own half, and with a sense of calm that only he possesses, he looked up and spotted the advancing goalkeeper, Gazzaniga, off his line. Modrić, ever the genius, took the ball in his stride before unleashing a magnificent strike from well beyond 30 yards.
The ball flew through the air with precision and dip, catching Gazzaniga off guard as it flew into the top corner of the net. The Santiago Bernabéu erupted as Modrić’s brilliant effort gave Real Madrid a deserved 1-0 lead. It was a strike that showcased Modrić’s technical brilliance and ability to control a match with a moment of magic. Even at 38, the Croatian remains an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, and this goal only further cemented his legendary status in Madrid’s history.
Benzema Doubles the Advantage
After Modrić’s stunning opener, Real Madrid continued to press for a second. Girona, who had struggled to keep possession in the first half, started to see more of the ball in the second period but were unable to break down the well-organized Madrid defense.
In the 60th minute, Real doubled their advantage with a goal that came courtesy of their talismanic striker, Karim Benzema. The Frenchman, who has been in sensational form this season, pounced on a loose ball inside the box after a blocked shot from Vinícius Júnior. Benzema showed his clinical instincts, calmly slotting the ball past Gazzaniga to make it 2-0.
Benzema’s goal was a typical striker’s finish, but it also highlighted his intelligent positioning and quick reactions, qualities that make him so dangerous in front of goal. With the goal, Benzema moved closer to his personal goal tally for the season, continuing his vital role in Real Madrid’s attacking setup.
Girona’s Response
Despite being two goals down, Girona didn’t simply fold. The Belgian shot-stopper showed his class with a quick reflex save, denying Girona any hope of a late comeback.
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The remainder of the match saw Girona pushing forward, but they lacked the quality and cutting edge needed to seriously threaten Courtois’ goal. Real Madrid’s defense held firm, with Militão and Rudiger providing a solid foundation, and their midfield kept control of the game with Modrić, Kroos, and Federico Valverde all contributing to the team’s dominance.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Masterclass
Carlo Ancelotti, who has faced criticism at times this season for his tactical decisions, was able to celebrate a well-earned victory. His decision to start Modrić in midfield paid off in spades, as the Croatian controlled the tempo and dictated play. The performance of Benzema, who was involved in both goals, also underlined the importance of having a world-class striker in the lineup.
Ancelotti’s substitution choices, including bringing on Dani Carvajal for added defensive stability and giving fresh legs to the attacking unit, allowed Real Madrid to manage the game effectively in the latter stages. The 2-0 scoreline was a reflection of the team’s overall dominance, and the win kept their title challenge alive as they moved into second place.
Looking Ahead
With the victory, Real Madrid now find themselves just one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings, though their rivals have a game in hand. The title race is heating up, and with key matches coming up, Real Madrid will be looking to continue their excellent form.
For Real Madrid, the win serves as a reminder that despite the aging squad, they still possess the quality to challenge for the biggest trophies.
