Poor Real Madrid held to a draw by brave Girona

Real Madrid lost their second game in a row this season. Ancelotti's side suffered a draw against Girona who needed to get a point after a disastrous start to the season.

The first half was hard fought. Both teams had chances to score. Ancelotti's team kept possession and tried to attack down the flanks but good defending by the visitors prevented Real Madrid from creating chances as they usually do.

The home side gave their first warning in the 23rd minute. Valverde received inside the area and found Rodrygo on the edge of the box. The Brazilian came close to scoring the first goal of the game with a first-time shot to the near post but the post prevented it.

Girona did not take long to respond to Real Madrid's chance. In the 38th minute, after Valery had dribbled past Carvajal with a long drive down the left flank, the visitors' player found Herrera inside the box unmarked. Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, hit the crossbar with a first-time shot.

Real Madrid scored the opening goal in the 70th minute. Valverde received the ball inside the box and after a rebound squared it to the far post, where Vinicius pushed the ball into the net unmarked.

However, Girona did not throw in the towel. In the 80th minute the referee awarded a penalty for a handball by Asensio inside the area. Uruguayan striker Stuani scored the equaliser from the penalty spot. Although a 10-man Madrid tried to score the winning goal in the last minute of stoppage time after Kroos was sent off, it was not possible.

 

October 30, 2022