The Santiago Bernabéu is set to witness an intense La Liga showdown as Real Madrid prepare to take on Girona on Sunday, February 23. With the title race heating up, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad cannot afford to slip up, especially with Barcelona and Atlético breathing down their necks. The Italian tactician is carefully weighing his options to field the best possible XI amid key absences.
Real Madrid find themselves in a tight battle at the summit of La Liga. The Merengues, tied on points with Barcelona and just a point ahead of Atlético Madrid, need a strong performance to maintain their grip on the title race. Last weekend, they dropped points in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Osasuna, leaving fans eager for a statement victory.
One player who remains central to their ambitions is Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar has been in red-hot form, already netting 28 league goals this season. His recent hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 was a reminder of his immense quality. With such momentum, all eyes will be on Mbappé to deliver yet another dazzling display against Girona.
Injury Woes and Suspensions Hit Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti has some tough selection decisions to make, given the unavailability of several key players. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain long-term absentees, while Jude Bellingham is serving a two-match suspension. Despite these setbacks, Madrid boasts remarkable squad depth that can help them cope with such challenges.
Thibaut Courtois is expected to start between the sticks, shielded by a backline comprising Federico Valverde, Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Ceballos are likely to feature, offering a blend of defensive stability and attacking ingenuity. The attacking trio will see Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo flanking Mbappé, a front three packed with pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
With Vinícius Júnior still in search of his first goal of 2025, this game presents an opportunity for him to break his drought. The Brazilian forward has been showing signs of returning to his best and will be eager to make an impact alongside Mbappé. Ancelotti is banking on this attacking trio to unlock Girona’s defensive line and secure a vital three points.
Girona’s Struggles and Injury Concerns
Last season, Girona was the surprise package, finishing third in La Liga. However, their form has dipped significantly this season, as they currently sit tenth in the standings. Fatigue has caught up with Michel’s squad, and the heavy fixture schedule has exposed their lack of squad depth. Girona have lost six of their last seven games, a worrying sign ahead of their trip to the Bernabéu.
Injuries and suspensions have further compounded their troubles. Arnaut Danjuma and Viktor Tsygankov are unavailable, while Abel Ruiz remains a doubt. To add to their woes, Yangel Herrera is serving a suspension. These absences leave Michel with a depleted squad, forcing him to rely on makeshift options against a dominant Real Madrid side.
Tactical Battle at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid will aim to take control of the game early, imposing their attacking dominance from the first whistle. Ancelotti will emphasize the importance of stabilizing the defense, especially in the absence of Carvajal and Militao. An early goal could be crucial in settling nerves and setting the tone for a comfortable victory.
For Girona, Stuani remains their biggest threat in attack. If he receives quality service from Arthur Melo or Donny van de Beek, he could pose problems for the Madrid defense. However, given their poor run of form, Girona will need to be extremely disciplined and compact to avoid another heavy defeat like last year’s 5-2 thrashing at the Bernabéu.
Possible Line-ups
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Ceballos; Vinícius, Mbappé, Rodrygo.
Girona XI: Gazzaniga; Blind, Krejci, Lopez; Martinez, Romeu, Van de Beek, Gutierrez; Gil, Arthur Melo; Stuani.
Real Madrid knows they cannot afford to drop points in this fixture. With Mbappé in scintillating form and Vinícius desperate to find his shooting boots, the Merengues have the firepower to dismantle Girona. While Michel’s men will attempt to put up a fight, the odds are stacked heavily against them.
A victory here would keep Real Madrid firmly in the title race, reinforcing their championship credentials. The Bernabéu faithful will be expecting nothing less than a dominant display as Ancelotti’s men look to keep their dreams of La Liga glory alive.