When the stars collide: Girona sting slows Real Madrid in La Liga thriller
30 November 2025
Match snapshot
Real Madrid wrapped up the first half of their Montilivi clash in La Liga’s round 14, trailing Girona 1-0.
Kylian Mbappe appeared to level in the 40th minute, but VAR ruled it out for a handball by the Frenchman.
Turning point and statistics
Moments later Girona seized on a fast break: Tsygankov released a superb ball to Onahi, who finished first time to beat Courtois for 1-0.
Opta stats show Madrid mustered a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, their lowest away tally this season across competitions.
Lineups and injuries
Madrid also welcomed back Militao and Rudiger to lead the defense after injuries, while captain Dani Carvajal and other teammates were sidelined.
The official lineups included Girona's Gazaniga, Rincon, Arnavi, Reyes, Tsyganakov, Onahi, Vanat, Vitsel, Gil, Martin and Moreno, and Real Madrid's Courtois, Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Garcia, Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham, Güler, Vinicius and Mbappé.
Outlook
With the second half looming, Madrid sought an equalizer while Girona aimed to protect their lead and possibly snatch more on the break.
Punchlines
Punchline: If defending is an art, Madrid's away form must be a modern sculpture—abstract and hard to interpret.
Punchline: Girona just served a reminder: a quick counter beats a slow plan every time, especially when VAR is busy.
