Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Girona in La Liga on Saturday, solidifying their position in the title race. Jude Bellingham continued his impressive scoring streak, netting his fifth goal in as many games and providing an assist for newcomer Arda Guler. Kylian Mbappe also found the back of the net, capitalizing on a sublime pass from Luka Modric. The win propelled Real Madrid to within two points of league leaders and arch-rivals, Barcelona. However, the victory was marred by injuries to key players. Both Bellingham and Ferland Mendy were forced off the pitch in the second half, raising concerns about their availability for upcoming fixtures, particularly the Champions League clash against Atalanta.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, addressed the injury concerns in the post-match press conference. He allayed fears about Bellingham’s condition, stating that the midfielder was simply fatigued and the substitution was a precautionary measure to avoid exacerbating any potential issues. Ancelotti expressed more concern about Mendy’s injury, suspecting a muscular problem that will likely sideline the defender for the Atalanta game. The coach also explained the absence of Rodrygo from the matchday squad, attributing it to a minor illness. He expressed optimism about Rodrygo’s recovery and availability for the midweek Champions League fixture.
Ancelotti lauded Bellingham’s performance, acknowledging the Englishman’s return to peak form and highlighting his consistent goal-scoring contributions. He praised the collective effort of the team, including Mbappe and Guler’s goals and Brahim Diaz’s effective performance. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and building on the positive results. He acknowledged the initial pressure Girona exerted but commended his team’s ability to weather the storm and ultimately dominate the match.
The decision to bench young center-back Raul Asencio, who had recently impressed with his performances, raised eyebrows among observers. Ancelotti clarified that the decision was based on fatigue management, citing the short recovery period between the midweek defeat to Athletic Club and the Girona game. He underscored Asencio’s quality and reliability as a central defender, emphasizing that the benching was purely a precautionary measure and not a reflection of his performance.
This victory against Girona, while overshadowed by injury concerns, represents a significant step forward for Real Madrid. Bellingham’s continued brilliance, coupled with contributions from Mbappe and other key players, showcases the team’s offensive firepower. However, the injuries to Bellingham and Mendy, particularly the latter’s suspected muscular problem, pose a challenge for Ancelotti as he prepares for the crucial Champions League encounter with Atalanta. The depth of the squad will be tested, and Ancelotti will need to strategize effectively to ensure a competitive performance in Bergamo.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid’s immediate focus will be on assessing the extent of Mendy’s injury and managing the fitness of key players like Bellingham. The upcoming Champions League fixture against Atalanta presents a significant hurdle, and navigating this challenge successfully will be crucial for maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. Ancelotti’s ability to adapt to the evolving injury situation and effectively utilize his squad will be paramount to Real Madrid’s success in the coming weeks. The team’s performance against Atalanta will provide a valuable indication of their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
