Real Madrid lost ground in the La Liga title chase on Sunday after being held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Girona. The result keeps them second in the table, one point behind leaders Barcelona, who sit on 34 points after 14 matches.
Girona sit third from bottom with 12 points, but they frustrated Real from start to finish. Azzedine Ounahi handed the hosts the lead just before half-time, firing a first-time strike into the top corner after a swift counter-attack. Real’s sluggish first half did not help, with Xabi Alonso’s side producing only one shot on target before the break.
Real thought they had taken an early lead when Kylian Mbappe forced the ball into the net in a crowded box, but the effort was ruled out for handball. The visitors continued to struggle in the final third, and Girona’s tight marking prevented any rhythm.
The pressure eventually paid off when Vinicius Jr was brought down by Hugo Rincon in the area. Mbappe stepped up in the 67th minute and sent a low penalty beyond Paulo Gazzaniga. It was his 23rd goal in 19 games this season, continuing his scoring form after four in the midweek Champions League win at Olympiacos.
Vinicius had another effort ruled out for offside, and although Real improved after switching to quicker passes through the middle, they could not find the winner.
La Liga after Sunday results
The draw means Real have taken just one win from their past five matches in all competitions. With Barcelona leading the standings and Villarreal and Atletico close behind, Alonso’s team will need to recover their edge quickly to stay in the title race.
0 Comments