Real Madrid’s struggles continued at the Santiago Bernabéu, as Girona secured a hard-fought 1–1 draw, handing a significant advantage to FC Barcelona in the La Liga title race. Following disappointing results against Bayern Munich and RCD Mallorca, the side coached by Álvaro Arbeloa once again failed to deliver, slipping further behind the league leaders.

The hosts made a promising start and took the lead through Federico Valverde, whose strike ignited hopes of a much-needed response. However, Real Madrid were unable to build on their advantage, lacking sharpness and control as the match progressed.

Girona capitalised on that uncertainty, equalising through Thomas Lemar, who unleashed a precise effort from the edge of the box that caught the defence off guard. In goal, Andriy Lunin produced an early save but ultimately failed to keep a clean sheet, and scrutiny from the Spanish media is likely to follow.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Real - Girona 1:1 (0:0)
Goals: Valverde F., 51 (1:0); Lemar, 62 (1:1)

Real: Lunin Andriy; Carvajal; Militão (Huijsen, 64); Asencio R.; García Fr. (Mendy Fe., 79); Camavinga (Tchouaméni, 79); Diaz Br. (García G., 84); Bellingham (Güler A., 64); Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé
Substitution: Huijsen (from 64); Güler A. (from 64); Mendy Fe. (from 79); Tchouaméni (from 79); García G. (from 84)
Bench: Gonzalez Fran; Alaba; Fortea; Dani Ceballos; Moran; Pitarch
Yellow Cards: Mbappé 35; Valverde F. 76

Girona: Gazzaniga; Martinez Ar.; Vitor Reis; Frances; Moreno Alex; Lemar (Rincón, 70); Tsygankov; Ounahi A. (Gil B., 70); Witsel; Martín I. (Beltrán, 84); Echeverri (Ruiz Ab., 64; Stuani, 84)
Substitution: Ruiz Ab. (from 64 till 84); Rincón (from 70); Gil B. (from 70); Beltrán (from 84); Stuani (from 84)
Bench: Blanco R.; Krapyvtsov; López Da.; Kourouma; Roca
Yellow Cards: Rincón 89