Real Madrid exact revenge on Girona

Julen Lopetegui's side were looking for their second win of the season after a 2-0 victory over Getafe last time out, while Eusebio Sacristán's Girona side drew their first game 0-0 with Real Valladolid. 

Girona produced one of the upsets of the La Liga season last year, as they beat 'Los Blancos' 2-1 on the day of the Catalan Referendum, which made the victory even more significant. 

Before an expectant crowd at the Estadi Montilivi, the 'Blanquivermell' began very brightly, with several ventures forward and with pace on the wings. Girona were denied a penalty as Portu was brought down after some impressive trickery, and sixteen minutes into the game, their attacking intent was rewarded. 

Lozano raced clear on the right-hand side of the box before his low shot was blocked by Real's defence. However, the ball bounced into a great position for Borja Garcia, who manoeuvered onto his right before unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of Navas' goal. 

Despite continuous pressing from Real Madrid as they looked for an equaliser, Girona came excruciatingly close to adding a second goal as Portu drove the ball towards goal only to be denied by a Carvajal goal-line clearance.

Then the game seemed to turn on its head. Real Madrid finally found the net thanks to a panenka-style penalty from Sergio Ramos after Marco Asensio was fouled by Marc Muniesa, and just after the break, they were awarded a second spot kick as Asensio was brought down once more, this time by Pere Pons. Benzema sent Bono the wrong way, rolling the ball home for Madrid's second. 

Just seven minutes later, 'Los Blancos' added a third via Gareth Bale. The Welshman raced on to a through ball and finished neatly past an oncoming Bono, making the game look out of reach for Girona. 

Benzema got his brace, albeit controversially, in the 80th minute as a low cross from Gareth Bale found him in the box, and he converted past Bono from three yards. The goal went to VAR, however, with Benzema looking at least a yard offside, though the referee allowed the goal to stand. 

After this, Girona looked well and truly defeated and the scoreline stayed the same. Madrid picked up their second victory of the season under Julen Lopetegui. 

 

26 de agosto de 2018