By Karl Matchett
Now, Madrid’s third match in a run of 5 away fixtures throughout six video games (in all competitions) sees them head to Girona, stars of LaLiga final time period however struggling to seek out the identical verve this time round. Even with an amazing marketing campaign in 2023/24, the facet who completed third have been 14 factors off champions Los Blancos – and Carlo Ancelotti’s facet beat them by an mixture scoreline of 7-0 throughout their two league conferences. Actual could be stuttering, however they’ve definitely had Girona’s quantity thus far.
This season
Take a look at Girona’s league kind and it seems to be half-decent: 4 unbeaten, as much as eighth, and solely 4 factors separating them from Villarreal in fifth. European soccer for subsequent season remains to be very a lot on the playing cards, if they will discover some consistency as soon as extra.
However, that’s the issue: they haven’t, and league fixtures aren’t the one ones they play. Girona have truly gone three with out a win in all competitions following a cup shootout defeat to Logrones, a fourth-tier facet. It’s two wins in six and 6 wins in 18, going again additional. Stringing outcomes collectively is hard on the high for these unused to it.
Actual Madrid, in the meantime, had a really constant begin – seven victories in 9 to begin 2024/25 – however 4 defeats and three wins of their final seven paints a unique current image. Accidents have damage them, sure, however tactically and bodily they’ve been dominated by Barcelona, Milan, Liverpool and now Athletic of late.
Staff information
Yangel Herrera and Viktor Tsyhankov are the 2 large misses for Girona, however Yáser Asprilla can also be a giant miss if he doesn’t recuperate in time. Ladislav Krejčí is again although and may play proper facet of the again three.
Ancelotti could juggle his pack somewhat however choices are hampered by defensive absences, with David Alaba, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal all sidelined for the lengthy haul. Eduardo Camavinga and Vinícius Júnior are additionally out with accidents.
Rodrygo set to step up
Actual Madrid are second, 4 factors off the highest and with a sport in hand – however to essentially pressurise Barcelona they’ve to begin successful matches extra typically. With Vini Jr. out and Kylian Mbappé considerably of a shadow of himself at current, Rodrygo should step up and present his immense value. He averages just below a shot on course per 90 (0.9) however has created 22 probabilities this time period in LaLiga – third within the squad behind Vinícius and Luka Modrić. That creativity plus his ball carrying – 2.1 profitable dribbles per 90 is fewer than Vini’s, however his 53% success fee is notably larger – makes him Madrid’s foremost outlet and chief creator within the remaining third. Given he ranks above 93% of Europe in probability creating forwards, that should come to the fore right here.
Prediction
An away win would get Madrid rolling as soon as extra, although maybe not with out Girona inflicting some issues throughout the 90 minutes. Subsequently, we’ll go together with Girona 1 Actual Madrid 3.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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