Madrid's Resilient Return: Rudiger and Alaba Spark a Girona Test
30 November 2025
Madrid bring back Rudiger and Alaba
Spanish coach Xabi Alonso named Real Madrid's starting lineup to face Girona tonight at Montilivi, in La Liga's round 14.
Militao and Rudiger return to anchor the defense after recovering from injuries, while captain Dani Carvajal and several teammates were ruled out with injuries.
Lineups and standings
Girona's XI included Gazaniga in goal, a solid back line, and a midfield and attack crafted to trouble Madrid.
Real Madrid's XI features Courtois, Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Garcia, Tchouameni, Valverde, Guler, Vinícius, Mbappé. Real Madrid sit second in La Liga on 32 points, behind Barcelona's 34 after their weekend win over Deportivo Alavés.
Punchlines: If this defense stays tight, even the ball will file a complaint about offside. Girona might need a map, because Madrid's fortress just rearranged the doors and forgot to invite the attackers.
