The last few weeks has seen Real Madrid make a clear statement of their intentions to challenge every trophy there is to play for on all fronts. They haven't lost in La Liga since January 6th, they have apparently one leg in the semi finals of the Copa Del Rey and as well, the Uefa Champions League round of 16 and are clearly turning out to be a team to be feared all over the world.
They approached this match against Girona nine points below first place Barcelona with a game in hand after the Blaugurana has won their match yesterday. Real Madrid had no other option but to win and reduce the deficit to 6 points and hope for further slip ups from the league leaders. However, that dream was not to be fulfilled as Girona handed them the loss and drop of points in front of their own crowd.
Solari sort to rest some key players of his in Vinicius, Reguilon, Carvajal and Luka Modric, other players were called up to the squad and the eleven selected.
Thibaut Courtois continued between the sticks. Varane and Sergio Ramos filled the central back roles. Alvaro Odriozola replaced Dani Carvajal at right-back while Marcelo came in for Reguilon at left back.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro was partnered by Dani Ceballos who came in place of the rested Luka Modric.
Asensio who greatly impressed in the midweek Champions league clash against Ajax was given an opportunity to prove himself further replacing Vinicius at the left wing. Lucas Vasquez replaced Bale from the last game at the right wing and Karim Benzema forwarded the attack.
How It Happened
It was just as expected, Kroos dictating play from deep and controlling possession. It didn't take long before Kroos whipped in a cross from a setpiece at the right wing and Casemiro headed into the net to put Real Madrid ahead in the 25th minute.
That early goal proved to be Real Madrid's curse as they stepped off the gear for obviously throughout the remnant of the first half with few shots and tricky plays including a disallowed goal from Marcelo the major positives to take from that match.
The second half clearly saw that Real Madrid we thought we have stopped seeing for sometime. The intensity dropped, the pressing waned. The spirit was no longer willing and the blood, no longer hot. Girona got an attempt to put in a cross from the wing, the right wing in particular and it led to a wasted clear chance from the team.
This made them adopt the wing usage, especially the right wing with Marcelo a clear target. The Brazilian's offensive brilliance and threat was managed to be dealt with by the Girona men but his ineffectiveness at the back was utilized to great effect by the opponents. The cross that led to a Sergio Ramos handball in the penalty area and the equalizing by Girona was from the Brazilian's wing and Girona drew level through the ensuing penalty.
The equaliser seemed to increase the morale in the Girona team and the whites were clearly lacking in ideas, forcing Solari to make early changes, bringing in Vinicius for Vasquez. The in form youngster did his best to create chances and bring the team back ahead but to no avail.
Girona would later score their second in the 75th minute from a breakaway in the middle of the pitch.
They held on to the scoreline and a Real Madrid team aspiring to wrestle the league trophy away from eternal rivals Barcelona couldn't mount a comeback or acquire a win. They now sit nine points below first place and third in the league, clearly relying on slip ups from Barcelona than winning all their remaining matches.
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