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Football fans, brace yourselves! Today, at 16:15 CET, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host an electrifying La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Girona. With both teams eager to secure vital points, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 16:15 CET
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- Competition: Spanish First Division (La Liga) – Week 25
- Broadcast Channels:
- Cosmote Sport 8 HD
- Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia
- Sport TV5 Portugal
First Leg Recap
In their previous meeting earlier this season, Real Madrid dominated Girona with a convincing 3-0 victory. This result showcased Los Blancos' attacking prowess and defensive solidity, setting the stage for today's rematch.
Team Form and Standings
Real Madrid: Currently sitting third in the league standings with 51 points, Real Madrid is determined to close the gap on leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atlético Madrid. Despite a recent dip in league form, including a 1-1 draw against Osasuna, the team is buoyed by their impressive Champions League performance, having recently eliminated Manchester City. Manager Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity, stating that the team cannot afford to drop more points in La Liga.
Girona: Positioned 11th in the league, Girona has faced challenges this season, particularly in away fixtures. The team has suffered four defeats in their last five league matches, including a 2-1 loss to Getafe. Manager Míchel remains optimistic, aiming to reverse their recent slump and secure a positive result against Real Madrid.
Team News and Lineups
Real Madrid: The squad will be without midfielder Jude Bellingham, who begins a two-match suspension following a red card in the previous league match. Additionally, defenders Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are sidelined due to injuries. However, the return of David Alaba, Lucas Vázquez, and Antonio Rüdiger provides a boost to the defense.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Girona: The team faces the absence of midfielder Yangel Herrera, who is suspended after a red card in the last match. Arthur Melo, recently acquired on loan from Juventus, is expected to step in, despite having limited match fitness.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Gazzaniga; López, Krejci, Blind; Martínez, Arthur, Romeu, Gutiérrez; Tsygankov, Stuani, Gil.
Market Value Comparison
When it comes to financial muscle, Real Madrid stands as a titan in the football world. According to Forbes, the club's valuation is a staggering $6.6 billion (€6.1 billion).
This significant disparity underscores the David vs. Goliath nature of today's matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid:
- Kylian Mbappé: The French forward has been in scintillating form, recently netting four goals over two legs against Manchester City in the Champions League. His pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defense.
- Vinícius Jr.: The Brazilian winger's flair and creativity on the ball can dismantle defenses, providing crucial assists and goals.
Girona:
- Arthur Melo: The Brazilian midfielder, on loan from Juventus, brings experience and composure to Girona's midfield. His ability to control the tempo will be vital in countering Real Madrid's aggression.
- Cristhian Stuani: The seasoned Uruguayan striker remains Girona's primary goal threat, known for his aerial prowess and positioning.
Broadcast Information
Fans worldwide can tune in to watch this exciting fixture. The match will be broadcast live on:
- Cosmote Sport 8 HD
- Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia
- Sport TV5 Portugal
Check your local listings for availability and exact channel numbers.
Conclusion
Today's clash between Real Madrid and Girona is more than just a game; it's a battle of ambition, strategy, and resilience. While Real Madrid aims to reclaim the top spot in La Liga, Girona seeks to defy the odds and secure a memorable result at the Bernabéu. Football enthusiasts won't want to miss this captivating encounter.
FAQs
What was the result of the first leg between Real Madrid and Girona this season?
- Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over Girona in their earlier meeting this season.
Which key players are unavailable for today's match?
- Real Madrid will miss Jude Bellingham due to suspension, while Girona will be without Yangel Herrera, also suspended.
Where can I watch the match live?
- The match will be broadcast on Cosmote Sport 8 HD, Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia, and Sport TV5 Portugal.
What are the current league standings of both teams?
- Real Madrid is third with 51 points, while Girona stands 11th in the league.
Who are the players to watch in this match?
- Key players include Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. for Real Madrid, and Arthur Melo and Cristhian Stuani for Girona.