Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 2-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening. The home side rang the changes after midweek UEFA Champions League action, with David Alaba, Brahim Diaz, and Luka Modric all returning to the starting lineup.
Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this week, looked to continue his form early on, but his powerful strike was saved by Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga within the first ten minutes. The game opened up as the half progressed, with Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois being called upon to keep out Donny van de Beek's effort, and Vinicius Junior unable to convert his header on target after 30 minutes.
Madrid secured the opening goal minutes before halftime. Modric expertly controlled a high ball, unleashing a stunning volley from 25 yards out, which sailed past Gazzaniga and found the back of the net. Vinicius was unlucky to not add his name to the scoresheet, as his powerful strike rattled the crossbar with Gazzaniga well beaten.
Girona made tactical changes after 66 minutes with Oriel Roemu, Bryan Gil, and Yaser Aspilia replacing Jhon Solis, Ivan Martin, and Arnaut Danjuma. The home side sealed the win when Mbappe turned provider, playing Vinicius through, who sent a low strike to the far corner for the second goal, ensuring maximum points for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Raith Rovers moved to fifth place in the Scottish Championship following their victory against struggling Hamilton Academical. The match saw Dylan Easton win and score a penalty to break the deadlock after half-an-hour of play.
Finlay Pollock headed home Lewis Stevenson’s cross to double the Rovers' lead in the second half, marking his third goal in just two matches. Raith Rovers are now four points behind fourth-placed Partick Thistle with two games remaining, whereas Hamilton Academical remains 10 points clear of the bottom club, Airdrieonians.
On another front, Parson Drove celebrated their first victory of the season, defeating Whitton United 2-0. Goals from Harrison Taylor and Stefano Cavozzi secured the win for the tenth-placed team.
Meanwhile, March Town and Wisbech Town faced disappointing defeats over the weekend. March Town, who currently sit fourth, lost 3-2 at the hands of Northampton Sileby Rangers, who are 12th place. March's Josh Burrows managed to level the match early, but after trailing behind, they could not convert their opportunities to equalize for the second time and fell to Rangers.
After the match, March Town's upcoming fixtures include the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup against Histon on Tuesday, with hopes of reaching the finals again. Following this, they will face Rugby Borough, currently third in the table. The Hares are already through to the final of the Hinchingbrooke Cup, showcasing their determination amid league struggles.
Wisbech Town, placed 16th, suffered a heavy defeat at home, losing 6-2 to Belper United, who currently stands seventh. Nicholas Hood and Samuel Birks put The Nailers two goals up within just 17 minutes. Birks added two more goals to complete his hat-trick during the match, with Wisbech’s Robert Conyard scoring twice but unable to change the result. With seven games remaining, Wisbech is eight points clear of the drop zone, yet the team has allowed 73 goals this season, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
April promises to be eventful as Wisbech prepares for their next match against league leaders Eastwood at Fountain Fresh Park. New signings Helkias Acheampong, who has recently signed from Kings Lynn U19s, and energetic midfielder Alex Young, who has also joined following his relocation, are set to boost the squad. Meanwhile, there have been departures, with Stacey Cartwright leaving the club by mutual agreement and Aaron Butcher moving to relegation rivals Deeping Rangers.
Overall, the weekend results highlight the ups and downs within various leagues, showcasing thrilling moments, player contributions, and the ever-shifting dynamics of team standings.