Real Madrid’s pursuit of the La Liga title suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu this evening.
This result complicates Madrid’s title ambitions, as a victory for Barcelona in their next match could push them nine points ahead with only seven games left to play.
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Entering the match off the back of a defeat to Real Mallorca and a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, Madrid struggled to assert dominance against a determined Girona side.
Girona had the first significant chance when Azzedine Ounahi forced a strong save from Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin.
As the first half progressed, Madrid started to find their rhythm but couldn’t break through before halftime.
Jude Bellingham nearly found the net with a shot from inside the box, while Federico Valverde also tested Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga.
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Madrid finally gained the lead early in the second half, thanks to Valverde’s long-range strike in the 51st minute. Gazzaniga couldn’t hold onto the ball, allowing it to slip into the net.
This goal seemed to ignite the hosts, but Girona quickly struck back to level the score.
Thomas Lemar netted the equalizer in the 62nd minute with a composed finish from just outside the penalty area, delivering a low shot past Lunin that hushed the Bernabeu crowd and shifted pressure back onto Madrid.
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In search of a winning goal in the closing moments, Madrid pressed forward, with Kylian Mbappe coming closest but being denied by Gazzaniga’s save.
Mbappe also called for a penalty after going down in the box late in the match, but the referee waved play on.
Girona stood firm in the final minutes, securing a crucial point on the road.
This result leaves Madrid with little margin for error in the final stretch of the season, while Barcelona has a chance to take control of the title race if they take advantage of Madrid’s falter.