Modric hits rocket as Real Madrid beat Girona

Luka Modric netted an outstanding long-range goal to assist Real Madrid in achieving a 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday, bringing them level with Barcelona at the summit of La Liga. Vinicius Junior secured the victory in the final moments as Carlo Ancelotti’s team offered a strong, though not exceptional, performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, now in third, both securing victories on Saturday, the champions faced increased pressure in the title race. Thibaut Courtois executed a solid save early on to thwart Arnau Martinez, yet Girona could not capitalize on the opportunity. The unexpected title challengers from last year posed a challenge for Madrid to overcome, yet they were considerably less menacing in their offensive play compared to their most dynamic performance.

Vinicius Junior secured the victory in the final moments as Carlo Ancelotti’s team delivered a strong, though not dazzling, performance at the Santiago Bernabeu. Following victories for rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, currently in third place, the champions faced increased pressure in the title race on Saturday. Thibaut Courtois made an impressive save early on to stop Arnau Martinez, yet Girona could not capitalize on the opportunity.

The unexpected title challengers from last year posed a tough challenge for Madrid to dismantle, yet were significantly less dangerous in offense than during their most dynamic performances. At the opposite end, Paulo Gazzaniga made a good save from Kylian Mbappe, while Vinicius allowed a promising attacking chance to dissolve instead of seeking his French teammate.

A potential Real Madrid counter-attack was halted when Vinicius attempted to pass to Mbappe, but his delivery was intercepted. Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov had a chance to score for the visitors but fired a promising opportunity over the bar, rushing his shot. As the game neared half-time, Modric put Madrid in the lead with a shot from afar.

The 39-year-old midfielder seized the ball after a corner was deflected into his direction and unleashed a brilliant strike past the powerless Gazzaniga. In the second half, Madrid created additional opportunities to increase their advantage, as Vinicius hit the crossbar with a bending shot from the area.

Gazzaniga executed an excellent save to stop Mbappe after the ex-Paris Saint-Germain player expertly handled a falling ball. Ultimately, Mbappe delivered a superbly-timed pass to Vinicius for the second goal, which the Brazilian smoothly slid past the Girona keeper. In recent weeks, Real Madrid has been at odds with Spanish officials; however, aside from a single instance when Rodrygo was obstructed by the referee, they had no grievances on a peaceful day in the Spanish capital.