Real Madrid secures a 2–0 victory over Girona to remain level with Barcelona atop the La Liga standings.

Real Madrid collected all three points in La Liga for the first time this month after a comfortable 2–0 victory over Girona.

Just three days after Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City from the Champions League, Los Blancos returned to La Liga action against Girona. The defending Spanish champions came into their weekend fixture looking to win their first La Liga match in February. With the demanding schedule taking its toll, Carlo Ancelotti made several rotations to keep his squad fresh, yet the hunger for victory remained evident from the first whistle.

Despite a lively start, Real Madrid's first half turned into a frustrating affair at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinícius Júnior failed to convert a few golden opportunities on the counterattack, and it looked like Los Blancos would head down the tunnel without a goal. The Brazilian winger, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s attack, found himself in promising positions but struggled with his finishing touch. Girona’s defensive organization and tactical discipline made it difficult for Real Madrid to find the breakthrough, forcing them to rely on individual brilliance. It was Real Madrid's captain, though, that found the breakthrough. Luka Modrić buried a world-class half-volley from outside the box to put Real Madrid up 1–0 in the 41st minute. The Croatian maestro demonstrated his technical prowess with a strike that left Girona's goalkeeper rooted to the spot, an effort that will surely be replayed countless times by Madridistas around the world.

Real Madrid spent the majority of the second half trying to find a second goal, but they lacked the quality needed in the final third to get past Girona's disciplined defense. Despite maintaining the lion’s share of possession and dictating the tempo of the match, their attacking moves often fizzled out before truly testing Girona’s goalkeeper. Girona, to their credit, held their shape well and frustrated Madrid’s forward line, with their backline throwing bodies in the way of goal-bound efforts. Los Blancos' relentless pressure on the visitors eventually proved fruitful. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior linked up on the counterattack to finally give Real Madrid an insurance goal in the 83rd minute. Mbappé’s searing pace allowed him to carve open Girona’s defense, while Vinícius, desperate to get his name back on the scoresheet, applied the finishing touch with a well-taken strike past the keeper. The Santiago Bernabéu erupted in relief and celebration, as Real Madrid finally put the game to bed.

Vinícius Júnior will be thrilled to break his goalscoring drought; the Brazilian had not found the back of the net in La Liga since November. His form had been scrutinized in recent weeks, with questions raised over his confidence and decision-making in the final third. This goal, however, could serve as a turning point in his season, reigniting the attacking spark that makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. Real Madrid also kept their first clean sheet in over a month thanks to the return of David Alaba. The Austrian defender’s presence at the back brought much-needed stability, his leadership and composure ensuring that Girona’s attackers were kept at bay throughout the contest. His return could not have come at a better time, with Madrid entering a crucial phase in both their domestic and European campaigns.

The victory puts Real Madrid level with Barcelona atop the league standings. Atlético Madrid trails both teams by just a single point. With the La Liga title race shaping up to be one of the tightest in years, every point will be crucial. Madrid’s ability to grind out wins, even when not at their scintillating best, is a hallmark of champions. Ancelotti’s men know that consistency is key, and with momentum now on their side, they will look to build on this victory in the coming fixtures. The battle for Spanish supremacy is far from over, but if Real Madrid continue to perform with this level of determination and resilience, they could very well be the ones lifting the trophy at the end of the season.