Real Madrid faced Girona on February 23, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, keeping pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The match featured outstanding performances from Luka Modric and Vinícius Júnior, both of whom played pivotal roles in the victory.
The opening goal came from Modric just before halftime. Receiving the ball from outside the penalty area, he executed a powerful shot, finding the back of the net and giving Madrid the lead. Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, praised Modric's talent, stating, "Modric is a gift to football, and he should keep playing as long as he wants. He has made historical moments here, and football will be grateful for his quality and professionalism." This goal marked Modric's second of the season and was his fourth overall.
After the break, the intensity of the game continued. Vinícius Júnior, who had been causing trouble for Girona's defense, added the second goal for Real Madrid late in the game, sealing the victory. He received a perfectly timed assist from Kylian Mbappé before skillfully evading defenders and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. Ancelotti remarked, "Vinícius was at his best. He needs to finish his chances with more precision, but he constantly troubled the opposition defense," highlighting the Brazilian’s impact throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Girona created several opportunities, but their finishing let them down. Notably, Victor Tsymbaliuk missed what could have been a decisive chance for his team. After the game, Girona’s coach Michel Sanchez acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating, "It is not easy to come here to play against Madrid at this time of the season." This speaks to the challenges faced by mid-table teams trying to secure points against title contenders.
This victory allowed Real Madrid to remain on even footing with Barcelona, both teams now sitting at 54 points atop the league standings. Barcelona achieved their own 2-0 victory against Las Palmas earlier, maintaining their position due to goal difference. Atlético Madrid, closely trailing with 53 points after their 3-0 win over Valencia, continues to apply pressure on the leading teams.
Modric's performance was particularly significant, showcasing his ability to control the game from midfield. His impressive goal solidified his status as one of the game's finest, even at 39 years old. After the match, he expressed the emotional weight of scoring at the Bernabéu, stating, "This is very important for us. We must keep fighting and maintain our level; complacency is not allowed. There is still plenty of room for growth as a team." His leadership is considered invaluable, especially with key player Jude Bellingham sidelined due to suspension.
Looking forward, Real Madrid's upcoming challenge will be against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they hope to continue their strong run of form following this victory. The match against Girona marked not only three points gained but also the recovery of the team’s relentless spirit after suffering through back-to-back draws prior to this outing. With both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid winning their matches, the title race is intensifying, promising fans thrilling matches as the season progresses.
Overall, this match served as a reminder of Real Madrid's tenacity and the seasoned talent embodied by players like Modric. It also highlighted the uphill battle for teams like Girona, who must strive for consistency to challenge the established powers of La Liga.