Real Madrid took a big step towards winning their 36th title in La Liga with a win against surprise rivals FC Girona.
With the 4-0 (2-0) win on Saturday evening (February 10, 2024), the “Royals” extended their lead over the second-placed Catalans to five points and celebrated a successful dress rehearsal for their round of 16 first leg in the Champions League on Tuesday at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
Bellingham with a double pack
With former world champion Toni Kroos in the starting line-up and without national player Antonio Rüdiger, who is still injured, Real made the balance of power on the pitch clear before the break. Vinicius Junior (6th minute) and former Bundesliga star Jew Bellingham (35th), who moved to Spain from German runner-up Borussia Dortmund at the start of the season, established the hosts’ reassuring lead for the second half.
Joselu misses another penalty
After the break, the team took care of things again Bellingham (54.) for the decision. Rodrygo (61st) scored for coach Carlo’s team Ancelotti to the final score. In the final minute, the hosts were able to overcome a missed penalty from Joselu.
For Girona, after the second defeat of the season, the security should be one Champions Leagueplace will be the most important goal. The neighbors of the defending champions FC Barcelona, who were practically eliminated from the championship race, had already suffered their first defeat of the current season in the first leg against the Madrilenians (0:3).