Girona claim three points from 10 men Madrid

A nervous start for Real Madrid as Thibaut Courtois took a powerful hit to the face to block Stuani's shot. After receiving treatment and getting the all clear from the physios, he was able to continue. Madrid's defence had the sun to deal with as well as Girona's strong start to create multiple chances early on in the match.

Portu exhibited his pace down the left-wing to put a ball into Stuani but the forward lost control of the ball and the chance was gone. It was then Real Madrid's turn to have a flurry of chances in quick succession but the likes of Vasquez and Benzema failed to convert them.

It seemed though Madrid could not find a way past Bono and his defensive line, until Toni Kroos floated a lovely ball into the box off the back of a Madrid corner which Casemiro met with a beautiful header to draw first blood for Madrid on the half hour mark.

Both teams continued to create chances throughout the first-half but the scoreline remained at 1-0 going into the break. Marcelo looked to have slotted in a second for Real Madrid but he was clearly offside. The referee called on VAR, somewhat unnecessarily, to confirm the decision.

Girona made a couple of substitutions at half-time, bringing on Anthony Lozano and Aleix Garcia, hoping that the pair could find an equaliser. However, for the first 20 minutes of the second-half it was Madrid who found themselves with the most chances.

One of which was a header from Karim Benzema, who played his 300th match for Madrid. Marco Asensio's cross found its way directly into the path of Benzema but his header missed the target and hit the side netting.

Girona's luck began to turn as they were awarded a penalty after Sergio Ramos was deemed to block a shot with his hand. He received a yellow card for the handball and Stuani slotted the penalty comfortably to draw Girona level with 25 minutes of the match left to play. Momentum continued with Eusebio Sacristan's side as Portu's shot almost took the lead for his side had it not clattered the crossbar.

However, just five minutes later, Courtois produced a fine save to keep Lozano's shot from crossing the line but Portu was there again for Girona as he headed home the rebound to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Madrid began to find some momentum again but Los Blancos' frustration was encapsulated by a Ramos red card after his high challenge on Alcala in the box. The central defender has been the subject of much discussion recently after claims he deliberately got himself booked against Ajax in their Champions League clash earlier this week.

Madrid were subsequently reduced to 10 men as they continued to try and salvage something from the match. However, after five minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle and Girona claimed three points away at the Bernebeu. Solari's side will hope to regroup before they face Levante in La Liga on 24th February before hosting Barcelona for the second leg of their Copa del Rey Clasico just three days later.