Real Madrid head into a tricky LaLiga test at home against Girona with tangible momentum — but also renewed focus on keeping their slim lead at the top. This is not one of those “routine” league games: Girona are compact, dangerous on transitions, and they’ve proved in recent seasons they can frustrate the giants. Expect a tactical chess match rather than a runaway.
What’s new and why it matters
The major boost for Real Madrid is the return of two cornerstone defenders — Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão — who are available after recovering from recent muscle issues. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed both are back in contention, a welcome development that strengthens Real’s backline depth and gives Alonso more selection flexibility ahead of a congested winter schedule. That defensive return matters: it helps Real manage rotation while maintaining stability at the back.
Form, context and stakes
Real currently lead LaLiga by the narrowest of margins — just a single point over Barcelona — so every league fixture feels like a final. Girona, meanwhile, play with intensity and strong organization; they will come to the Santiago Bernabéu looking to soak pressure and hit quickly on counters. Girona’s compactness forces opponents to be patient and precise, so Real will need to avoid quick turnovers and be clinical in the final third.
Tactical battle to watch
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Midfield control: Real’s ability to control the middle third (progressive passing, quick vertical transitions) will determine whether Girona can sit in and limit chances or is forced into an open game.
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Full-back battles: Girona often packs their defensive lines; Real’s full-backs and wide attackers must create overloads and pull Girona’s compact shape sideways to free lanes for through-balls.
Expect Alonso to favor a balanced midfield that can recycle possession but also supply quick service to Madrid’s forwards.
Team news & likely XI notes
With Rüdiger and Militão back, Real could restore a settled central defensive pairing — which also allows newer or rotated players to be eased through the schedule. There are no headline absences listed in the most recent previews, though late fitness checks are always possible on match day. Girona’s latest previews emphasize their usual disciplined selection; they rarely deviate from a core defensive shape.
Prediction & tone
On paper, Real Madrid have the quality to win — especially with their two defenders back — but Girona’s compact style can make the game unexpectedly tight. Expect a high-intensity affair where Real must be patient: a 2-0 or 2-1 Real win is the likeliest realistic outcome, but a draw is well within Girona’s reach if Madrid rush attacking moves or give the ball away in dangerous zones.