Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by Girona at the Estadi Montilivi, marking their third consecutive league draw and adding further pressure to their LaLiga title chase. Despite dominating much of the game in possession, chances, and attacking momentum, Madrid once again lacked the clinical edge needed to secure all three points. Girona, fighting near the lower half of the table, put on a disciplined and spirited performance to earn a valuable draw.
The match began with Real Madrid controlling midfield play, moving the ball quickly between the lines and trying to open up Girona’s compact defensive structure. Kylian Mbappé looked lively in the early stages, linking well with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Real thought they had taken the lead when Mbappé finished a loose ball inside the box, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for a handball in the buildup. The decision shifted momentum slightly and frustrated the visiting side.
Girona gradually grew into the game, taking advantage of Madrid’s defensive lapses and moments of miscommunication. Their attacking intention paid off just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Viktor Tsygankov carried the ball forward and slipped a pass into Azzedine Ounahi, who struck a powerful shot into the corner of the net. It was a well-constructed move and a deserved lead for Girona, who capitalized on Madrid’s slow reaction and poor marking. Real Madrid went into the break trailing 1–0 and visibly frustrated with their own errors.
The second half saw a more urgent and aggressive Real Madrid. They pressed higher, circulated the ball faster, and created more meaningful chances. Girona dropped deeper, defending with determination and blocking multiple attempts inside their penalty area. Vinícius Júnior, who had been quiet in the first half, became more involved and caused problems with his dribbling and pace.
The breakthrough for Madrid came in the 67th minute. Vinícius burst into the box and was brought down by a mistimed challenge from a Girona defender. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty. With confidence and precision, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1–1. The equalizer brought renewed energy to the visitors, who pushed hard for a winner.
Real Madrid dominated the final 20 minutes, piling pressure on Girona with repeated attacks. They created several big chances, including a close-range shot from Mbappé that went just wide of the post in stoppage time. Girona’s defenders threw themselves at the ball, blocked shots, and worked tirelessly to maintain the draw. Their goalkeeper also played a crucial role, making key saves to deny Madrid’s attempts at turning the match around.
Despite the late surge, Real Madrid could not find the killer goal. Their issues in the final third continued to show — too many wasted opportunities, slow decision-making, and lack of accuracy where it mattered most. Girona, on the other hand, showed great composure and resilience, standing firm against one of the strongest squads in the league.
The final whistle confirmed the 1–1 result. For Real Madrid, the draw felt like a loss. It extended their winless streak and caused them to fall behind in the title race, now trailing Barcelona in the league standings. Their inability to break down compact defensive teams remains a major concern, and the lack of efficiency in finishing continues to cost them valuable points.
For Girona, the point was a huge psychological boost. Their organized defending, disciplined approach, and timely goal earned them a well-deserved result. Against all odds, they held their ground and showed they can compete with big teams through determination and smart tactical play.