Real Madrid returned to second position in the La Liga table courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Girona in Sunday afternoon's contest at Bernabeu.
Luka Modric's thumping finish sent Los Blancos ahead in the latter stages of the first period, before Vinicius Junior added a second in the 83rd minute to secure a vital three points for the capital giants.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are back into second spot in the division, level on points with leaders Barcelona, while they are one point ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid in what is a fascinating title race.
Girona's struggles have continued, with the Catalan side now in 12th, but they are still only four points off sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano and remain firmly involved in the battle to secure European football for next term.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Ancelotti shuffled his pack on Saturday after the Champions League knockout round playoff second leg against Manchester City, which was not a surprise considering that the team are in Copa del Rey semi-final action next week.
It was still a very strong XI, though, and one of those that was brought into the side provided a special moment in the first period, with Modric thumping one into the back of the net from distance.
This was not a vintage performance from Real Madrid, but they had 63% of the possession and managed 22 attempts, with Girona simply having no answer to the Spanish champions at Bernabeu.
Having gone three games without a victory in La Liga, this match was all about taking the three points, and that was made certain in the latter stages when Vinicius found the back of the net.
It will be incredibly difficult for Real Madrid to win all three major trophies in the latter stages of the season, but they simply cannot be written off in any competition considering the quality that exists in their squad.
REAL MADRID VS. GIRONA HIGHLIGHTS
Luka Modric goal vs. Girona (41st min, Real Madrid 1-0 Girona)
Luka Modrić with a RIDICULOUS strike 🤯
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 23, 2025
The Real Madrid midfielder scores one of the goals of the season against Girona 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5jhTD4O4qI
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 41st minute of the contest, as Modric fires a half-volley into the back of the net from distance - it is a wonderful strike from the Croatian, and it sparks jubilant scenes inside the stadium.
Vinicius Junior goal vs. Girona (83rd min, Real Madrid 2-0 Girona)
Vini Jr scores, Kylian Mbappé assists 🔥
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 23, 2025
Brilliant link-up between the pair to make it 2-0 to Real Madrid against Girona 🤝 pic.twitter.com/6aJh5nGAd0
Real Madrid double their lead in the 83rd minute of the contest, as Vinicius finishes under the Girona goalkeeper after being released by Kylian Mbappe; Los Blancos have surely secured all three points here.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LUKA MODRIC
© Imago
The standout moment of the match came from Modric, with the Croatian's goal absolutely sensational, and he rolled back the years to produce a wonderful midfield performance on Sunday afternoon.
Modric's touch and appreciation of the football was sublime, demonstrating his quality at the age of 39, and there is no question that he can play a vital role for Los Blancos in the final months of what is expected to be his last season at the club.
REAL MADRID VS. GIRONA MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 63%-37% Girona
Shots: Real Madrid 22-6 Girona
Shots on target: Real Madrid 5-2 Girona
Corners: Real Madrid 11-5 Girona
Fouls: Real Madrid 1-7 Girona
BEST STATS
11 - Real Madrid are the team that have scored the most goals from outside the area in the Top 5 European leagues this season (11, like Bayern Munich). Powerful. pic.twitter.com/dUCXYMzAnf
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 23, 2025
Kylian Mbappé has 20 G/A in LaLiga.
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) February 23, 2025
17 goals
3 assists pic.twitter.com/OxYqDmcDL6
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch to the Copa del Rey, preparing to head to Real Sociedad for the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night, before travelling to Real Betis in La Liga next Saturday.
Girona, meanwhile, will be bidding to avoid a fourth straight loss in the league when they host Celta Vigo next Saturday.
Matt Law
