Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Friday night when they welcome Girona to the Santiago Bernabéu, hoping to arrest a worrying dip in form and keep their title ambitions alive.
Los Blancos currently sit second in the standings, seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona, while Girona arrive in the capital occupying 12th place.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s hopes of lifting the La Liga trophy suffered a significant blow last weekend. A disappointing 2–1 defeat away to struggling Mallorca was followed by Barcelona’s late win over Atlético Madrid, stretching the gap between the two rivals at the summit to seven points. With just eight league fixtures remaining, Carlo Ancelotti’s side appear to have little margin for error and may realistically need to win every remaining match to overhaul their Catalan rivals.
The pressure has also increased on the European front. On Tuesday night, Madrid were beaten 2–1 at home by Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter‑final, leaving them with a daunting task when they travel to Germany for the return fixture next week. Friday’s meeting with Girona therefore comes at an awkward moment, but also represents a chance to rebuild confidence before that crucial European test.
Domestically, Real Madrid have been formidable at the Bernabéu this season, winning 13 of their 15 league games at home and suffering defeat only twice. That record will encourage optimism against a Girona side that have collected just 15 points from their 15 away league matches during the campaign.
Historically, Madrid have enjoyed success in this fixture, winning eight of their 13 meetings with Girona across all competitions. However, the reverse league clash earlier this season ended in a 1–1 draw, offering a reminder that complacency would be dangerous.
Team News
Real will be without Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois and Franco Mastantuono, while Ferland Mendy faces a late fitness test due to a hamstring issue. Ancelotti cannot afford wholesale rotation given the importance of maintaining pressure in the title race, but several changes are expected. Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Fran García and Eduardo Camavinga could all be introduced into the starting eleven.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended for the second leg against Bayern Munich and is therefore likely to start here, while Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé are expected to continue leading the attack as Madrid seek goals early and authority from the outset.
Girona
Girona may have struggled in recent meetings with Real Madrid, losing four of their last five encounters, including a 2–0 defeat in this same fixture during the 2024–25 season. That said, the Catalan side have shown on previous occasions that they are capable of upsetting the giants, having claimed their first‑ever victory over Madrid in July 2017 and securing a memorable 2–1 win at the Bernabéu in February 2019 — one of three victories recorded against Los Blancos.
Michel’s side arrive in confident mood after a solid 1–0 win over Villarreal in their most recent outing, a result that followed an equally impressive victory over Athletic Bilbao on March 14. Those results have helped Girona pick up six points from their last three matches and settle into 12th position in the table.
With an eight‑point cushion above the relegation zone and a seven‑point deficit to sixth‑placed Celta Vigo, Girona appear destined for a comfortable mid‑table finish. Still, they will be aware that Real Madrid’s attention may partially be on their upcoming trip to Munich, and that fact could create an opportunity for the visitors to strike.
Team News
Portu, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen and Ricard Artero will all miss the trip to Madrid through injury. Vladyslav Vanat and Daley Blind were both forced off against Villarreal, with Vanat considered more likely to miss out.
Abel Ruiz could step in should Vanat be unavailable, while Thomas Lemar may once again be limited to a bench role, with Ivan Martín expected to retain his place in midfield.
Conclusion
This is a pivotal match for Real Madrid and one they simply cannot afford to lose. While their recent form has been inconsistent, their strong home record and attacking firepower should give them the edge against a Girona side with little immediate pressure.
Expect Los Blancos to navigate their way to a crucial three points as they attempt to keep the title race alive ahead of a defining period in their season. The visitors, however, are backed to grab at least a goal for themselves, too.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
