This is real life. Hours before this unlikely title decider, a poster was posted near the Santiago Bernabéu proclaiming that Girona was forever dreaming, but instead she had an awakening. Carlo Ancelotti had insisted with 14 games left that there would be no title fight no matter what happens here, but by the end of it here it’s hard not to see this as decisive. There wasn’t. It’s not just because Real Madrid beat their closest unlikely rivals in La Liga to take the lead by five points, but also because of the way they achieved it.
Jude Bellingham scored two goals and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo each scored one goal to claim victory. Girona have been great this season, but when it comes down to it, Madrid are just too good. Vinicius, in particular, was sent off in tears at full-time by his compatriot and opponent Jan Couto. Girona have only lost twice. Both by Real Madrid. Total score: 7-0. It was 3-0 in Catalonia, but 4-0 here in the capital, and the rebellion was crushed virtually from the start. It didn’t matter if Joselu missed the penalty on the last kick. This was over a long time ago.
Girona, La Liga’s great revelation, had gotten this far in their own way and had no intention of changing that. The problem is, as Mike Tyson famously said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, and just as Girona held the ball for the first few minutes, Madrid It took only five people to strike the first blow. This punch, thrown without warning, was also powerful, as Vinicius invaded from the left and smashed the ball from the edge of the area into the far corner.
Paulo Gazzaniga had no chance. It turns out his teammates were as well. Yes, it was just him for 5 minutes. Yes, they have been here before and have scored 19 points this season despite losing. And yes, they kept making plays trying to move the ball and keep the ball. However, with Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde close to Toni Kroos, Madrid refused to give them space to run. And once they had it for themselves, there was a sense of spaciousness and security that reminded them of who they were.
Girona did not have a shot on target for the first 45 minutes, but little attention has gone to the fact that these two centre-backs are not centre-backs at all, which speaks volumes about Aurélien Choameny and Dani Carvajal. was. Ancelotti’s side managed this superbly, playing short and long and often both when necessary. Kroos controlled everything calmly, his diagonal passes executed with incredible ease, and when his opponents ran open in Girona he was almost irresistible. Camavinga was everywhere. Vinicius was impressed.
The Brazilian also provided Madrid with an incredible pass to extend their lead to two points. On the right touchline he fired Bellingham with the outside of his right boot. Bellingham ran through and took the ball past Gazzaniga with his right foot and finished with his left. This was his 15th goal in the league, making him the sole top scorer, but he had yet to score.
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Girona started the second half looking to turn things around – Michel, who had been forced off the bench due to suspension, had barely gotten off the lift and returned to his position before finally drawing a save from Andriy Lunin – but Madrid hit back quickly again. started. put them back in place.
It was the same men who caused the damage. Vinicius, who rolled the ball under the studs with his head from the right wing, attracted Couto and flicked his right foot to the left, sending the ball through his legs and towards goal while surrounded by three opposition players. Gazzaniga stretched, but could only slot into Bellingham’s path from a few yards away. Shortly after, Bellingham was ejected to applause. He had a slight limp. Madrid were standing still and Rodrigo ran through to score the fourth goal and the place was in song. “This is how Madrid wins!” the lyrics say.
