Real Madrid dispelled recent doubts with a commanding 3-0 victory at Girona Saturday night, though the triumph was tempered by fresh injury concerns to key players as their challenging season continues.
Jude Bellingham showcased his return to form with both a goal and an assist before departing with injury. The 21-year-old England midfielder broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, converting after Luka Modric won possession and Brahim Diaz provided the cross. Bellingham then turned provider ten minutes after halftime, controlling Modric’s pass before setting up Arda Guler’s composed finish.
Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier squandered several opportunities including a one-on-one chance, finally found his scoring touch after the hour mark. The French striker latched onto another Modric pass to blast past Paulo Gazzaniga, offering a glimpse of the form that made him Ligue 1’s top scorer for six consecutive seasons.
The victory, which leaves Madrid just two points behind Barcelona, came at a potential cost. Both Bellingham and left-back Ferland Mendy left the match with injuries, adding to manager Carlo Ancelotti’s concerns ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Atalanta. The team is already without Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Rodrygo.
“We’re still in the fight in every competition,” Ancelotti had insisted before the match, having earlier admitted to being “mildly concerned” about a run of four losses in seven games. While Saturday’s performance answered some questions, the mounting injury list poses new challenges for the Spanish giants.
