Real Madrid showed their dominance in La Liga with a 4-0 win over Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. The hosts scored four goals in the first half, with Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo finding the net. The result put Real Madrid five points clear of second-placed Girona, who had their 18-game winning streak snapped.
Vinicius Jr Opens the Scoring with a Stunner
The game started with a high tempo, as both teams looked for an early advantage. Girona had the first chance, when Artem Dovbyk tested Andriy Lunin with a header, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper made a good save. Real Madrid responded with a counter-attack, and Vinicius Jr scored a stunning goal in the sixth minute. The Brazilian winger received a pass from Federico Valverde, and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, that hit the side of the crossbar and went in. It was his 15th goal of the season, and his fifth in the last four games.
Bellingham Doubles the Lead with a Brace
Real Madrid continued to press, and Girona struggled to cope with their pace and movement. In the 35th minute, Bellingham made it 2-0, with a smart finish from a Vinicius Jr assist. The English midfielder ran into the box, and received a low cross from the left, that he flicked past Paulo Gazzaniga with his heel. It was his 18th goal of the season, and his fourth in the last three games.
Bellingham added his second goal in the 54th minute, with a simple tap-in from a rebound. Vinicius Jr had another shot from the edge of the box, that Gazzaniga parried, but Bellingham was alert to follow up and score from close range. It was his 19th goal of the season, and his fifth in the last three games. He also became the highest-scoring midfielder in a single La Liga season this century, surpassing the record of 17 goals set by Frank Lampard in 2009-10.
Rodrygo Completes the Rout with a Header
Real Madrid were in complete control, and Girona had no answer to their attack. In the 61st minute, Rodrygo scored the fourth goal, with a header from a Dani Carvajal cross. The Brazilian forward rose above the Girona defence, and nodded the ball into the bottom corner. It was his ninth goal of the season, and his third in the last four games.
Girona had a chance to pull one back in the 90th minute, when they were awarded a penalty, after Tchouameni fouled Dovbyk in the box. However, Joselu missed the spot-kick, as he hit the post with his low shot. It was a frustrating night for Girona, who failed to score for the first time in 19 games.
Real Madrid Extend Lead in La Liga
The final whistle confirmed Real Madrid’s victory, and their supremacy in La Liga. The hosts had 16 shots, six on target, and 53% possession, while the visitors had five shots, none on target, and 47% possession. The result put Real Madrid on 61 points, five ahead of Girona, who remained on 56 points. Barcelona were third on 50 points, followed by Atletico Madrid on 48 points.
Real Madrid extended their unbeaten run in La Liga to 20 games, winning 18 and drawing two. They also scored 52 goals and conceded 15, having the best attack and defence in the league. Girona suffered their second defeat of the season, and their first since October 2023. They also scored 52 goals and conceded 29, having the second-best attack and the fourth-best defence in the league.
Real Madrid will face Valencia away in their next game on February 13, while Girona will host Las Palmas at home on the same day. Both teams will look to bounce back from their respective results, and continue their pursuit of the La Liga title.
