Real Madrid Eyes Victory Against Girona at Santiago Bernabéu

Madrid, Spain — On February 23, 2025, Real Madrid is set to face Girona in LaLiga EA Sports at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The match is part of the 25th round, with Madrid currently seeking a win to equal Barcelona at the top of the table.

Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid is coming off a challenging stretch that saw them go winless in their last three league matches, which included a 1-0 defeat against Espanyol and two consecutive draws with Atlético Madrid and Osasuna. The team’s performance left them with 51 points, trailing Barcelona, who leads the standings with 54 points after defeating Las Palmas 2-0.

Barcelona’s strong form has increased the pressure on Real Madrid, who also have Atlético Madrid closely behind with 50 points. This upcoming encounter is crucial for Madrid, not just for the standings but also to restore confidence heading into upcoming Cup and Champions League matches.

Fede Valverde, a key player for Madrid, is being rested for this match due to concerns over injuries from accumulated play, making way for tactical rotations in the starting lineup. Players like Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, and Brahim could see action as Madrid aims to optimize their squad amidst a demanding fixture calendar. Ancelotti notably excluded Jude Bellingham due to suspension.

Girona arrives at the match having struggled in recent weeks, securing just three points from their last 15 available. This slump has left them in 10th place with 31 points. Manager Míchel has noted the team’s inconsistency, with recent challenges hampering their ability to push for European qualification following a strong season last year.

The last time these teams met, Real Madrid dominated, winning 3-0. This history has contributed to a sense of confidence among Madrid supporters, hoping for a repeat performance Saturday in front of their home crowd, where they have only dropped five points this season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 16:15 CET, and fans can tune in via DAZN LaLiga and other broadcasting channels. The matchup not only represents critical points for both teams but also showcases the enduring rivalry in Spanish football.