Real Madrid is set to take on Girona this Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, marking their encounter in round 25 of La Liga. Currently, Real Madrid occupies the second spot on the La Liga table with 51 points, just one point shy of the leading Barcelona and one point clear of their local rivals Atlético Madrid.
The match promises excitement as Real Madrid is coming off a triumphant victory against Manchester City, winning 3-1 during the UEFA Champions League playoff, which helped them advance to the round of 16 with an aggregate score of 6-3.
Conversely, Girona, who finished last season impressively at third place, seeks to get back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their latest two matches. They currently sit 11th on the La Liga table with 31 points and are eager for victory to remain competitive for European qualification for the following season.
The time and venue for the Sunday match is set for 5:15 PM Cairo time, which is 6:15 PM Saudi time and 7:15 PM UAE time. Fans can watch the match live on beIN Sports HD 3, with the commentary duty assigned to Ahmad Al-Balushi.
Real Madrid, under the management of veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti, enters the match with strong morale and aims to secure three points to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the table. A look at the anticipated lineup for the match suggests goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be key at the back, supported by defenders Antonio Rudiger, Frenchman Ferland Mendy, and the seasoned Luka Modric, who plays midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
Looking at the attacking front, Real Madrid is expected to include high-profile names such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, who have the pace and creativity to challenge Girona's defense.
Historical encounters between the clubs reveal Real Madrid's dominance. The Spanish giants have won seven of their last eleven clashes against Girona, losing only three. This trend includes their last league outings where they outscored Girona significantly, and they have maintained solid defenses allowing no goals in their recent matches against this opponent.
Interestingly, Girona will need to overcome recent struggles on the road, having lost five of their last six away fixtures against Real Madrid. Their last victory came earlier this season and was key to their strong finish last year.
The stakes for the upcoming match couldn't be higher, with both clubs eyeing significant outcomes to affect their respective standings as the season progresses. With such fierce competition at play, fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be another riveting fixture on the La Liga calendar.