Real Madrid made the most of Barcelona’s recent slip-ups to move closer to the top of La Liga. After a tough 4-0 loss to Barcelona in October, Madrid was six points behind the Catalan club, and many were already tipping Barcelona to be the champions.
But in just one month, the tables have turned. Now, Real Madrid is in control of the title race, following a dominant 3-0 win over Girona on Saturday.
Even though Madrid won, they still sit in second place in the standings, with 36 points from 16 matches. Barcelona remains in first place, with 38 points from 17 games.
However, Madrid has one game less, and a win in that match would send them to the top of the table.
Barcelona has struggled in their last five matches, picking up just one win, with two draws and two losses.
Last night, they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, even though they were ahead twice during the game. These lost points have allowed Madrid to close the gap on Barcelona.
Real Madrid could have taken the top spot last week. After Barcelona lost to Las Palmas on November 30, Madrid had the chance but were beaten by Athletic Bilbao.
However, they didn`t make the same mistake after Barcelona dropped points again yesterday.
In their match against Girona, Jude Bellingham put Madrid ahead 1-0 with a goal in the first half. The English midfielder, who’s been in amazing form, has now scored in five straight La Liga matches.
In the second half, Arda Güler scored to make it 2-0, with Bellingham assisting. Güler controlled the ball and scored with a great shot.
Seven minutes later, Kylian Mbappé sealed the win by scoring the third goal.
The only downside for Madrid was Bellingham’s injury. He hurt himself in the 59th minute, but after getting some treatment on the field, he continued for a bit before leaving in the 61st minute.
Madrid`s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said after the match that the injury isn’t serious.
“Bellingham is fine,” Ancelotti said. “His leg felt a little tired, and he didn’t want to risk anything at the end of the match. He will be available for the next game.”