The Spanish La Liga title race heats up as second-placed Real Madrid host Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, February 23.
Both teams are fighting for crucial points, with Los Blancos aiming to reclaim the top spot and Girona seeking to revive their European ambitions amid a recent slump in form.
🤍Real Madrid Aim to Bounce Back in La Liga | Home Win = 1.31💵
Real Madrid enters this clash off a morale-boosting 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester City, yet their recent La Liga form raises concerns with just two points from their last three matches.
Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti’s men remain formidable at home, amassing 28 points from 11 league matches. Without key playmaker Jude Bellingham due to suspension, Madrid will rely on Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. 's attacking prowess.
🔴Girona Hope to Upset the Odds | Away Win = 9.07💵
Girona's fairytale run last season is a distant memory as they arrive at the Bernabeu with six losses in their last seven matches in all competitions. Sitting 10th with 31 points, their European hopes hinge on reversing this poor form.
Away struggles persist, with just 12 points from 12 road games this term. Coach Michel faces personnel challenges with Herrera suspended for a game Girona will need a disciplined performance to avoid a repeat of the 3-0 reverse fixture defeat.
🗝️Key Players & Team News📰:
Real Madrid, missing Jude in addition to long-term absentees like Carvajal and Militao, will see their attacking burden fall on in-form Mbappe, with Brazilian duo Vini Jr. and Rodrygo providing width. Ceballos' recent form earns him a likely start, while Vazquez could return at right-back.
Herrera's suspension opens a midfield slot for Asprilla. Bryan Gil and Portu will be key to Girona's counterattacking threat, while veteran Daley Blind anchors the defence in a likely 3-4-3 setup.
🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 6.39💵
⚽Real Madrid boasts a strong record against Girona, winning all their last 3 meetings against the Catalan club by at least a 3-goal margin (0-3, 4-0, & 0-3). | Specials Market: Home & Over 2.5 = 1.61
⚽The last time Girona managed a win over Madrid at the Bernabeu was in 2019, (1-2). Since then, they’ve lost one and drew the other of their two (2) visits to the Bernabeu. (1-1 & 4-0) | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 2.5 = 7.20
⚽Five (5) of the last six (6) meetings between these teams have seen over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring in four of those encounters. | Main Market: GG (Yes) = 1.41
With the title race finely poised, Real Madrid will be desperate for three points to keep pace with leaders Barcelona. Girona, despite their struggles, will look to defy the odds in what promises to be an intense contest at the Bernabeu.
🔗You can follow the La Liga game, Real Madrid vs Girona, here on MSport.
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