Real Madrid's growing prospect of signing Paris captain Kylian Mbappe this summer has made sports headlines this week. But now the focus is on the current players as they try to help Real Madrid extend their points lead over second-placed Girona. With the team's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the last round, the Galaxy are currently only two points ahead of their opponents in this game. Therefore, this has become a battle for the top of La Liga without suspense.
Real Madrid has greatly alleviated the team's injury situation with the return of two central midfielders, Tchouameni and Camavinga. However, German centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are still plagued by injuries. Although the team is still in a bit of an injury crisis, they will be hoping to maintain their points lead in this game. The team are unbeaten in their last 16 league games at home (13 wins, three draws), with their last defeat coming against the Yellow Submarines in April last year.
Girona will face their direct rivals on their way to La Liga title when they visit the Santiago Bernabeu. If these difficulties are overcome, Girona will be in an advantageous position. The team are currently unbeaten in 15 consecutive league games (11 wins, four draws), with the last defeat being a 3-3 home to Real Madrid in the first leg of La Liga. However, in terms of the overall record in the league, Girona and Real Madrid have 3 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses.
Girona are under pressure to draw 0-0 with Real Sociedad last weekend, with manager Charles Michel sent off for protesting against a disallowed goal. Despite this, they have beaten the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the league this season. A win in this game will help them climb to the top of the La Liga table. They have won just one of their previous four league games away at the Bernabeu (one draw, two defeats), conceding an average of five goals per game in each defeat.
Player of the match: Brahimi Dias will be a reliable replacement for Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. who has scored six of his seven goals this season at the Bernabeu, including the opener against Atletico. Girona star Savio has also scored against Atletico this season, with three of his last four goals for the club coming in the third of the game.
What to watch: Girona are the team that have scored the most goals in La Liga this season in 31-45 minutes (the last 15 minutes of the first half), with a whopping 13 goals. #激情灵魂, love La Liga ##皇家马德里##马竞##巴萨##赫罗纳##巴黎圣日耳曼##姆巴佩#