The race for the La Liga title took an immediate twist this weekend as a struggling Real Madrid side was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Girona, marking their third consecutive league stalemate. This unexpected slip-up cost Los Blancos their grip on the top spot, allowing arch-rivals Barcelona to move ahead and claim the coveted league lead.
Playing away at Montilivi Stadium, Real Madrid struggled to find their attacking rhythm. They fell behind just before the break when Girona’s Azzedine Ounahi netted in the 45th minute, shocking the reigning champions. Superstar forward Kylian Mbappé—fresh off a four-goal haul in the Champions League—eventually salvaged a point for Madrid, converting a penalty in the 67th minute.
Despite the late intervention, the single point was insufficient. Mbappé came agonizingly close to securing a dramatic winner in stoppage time, but his right-footed strike narrowly missed the mark. Following the match, coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s “reaction” but acknowledged that “it wasn’t enough to get the win.” Madrid also voiced complaints over a disallowed penalty appeal in the 80th minute after a challenge on Rodrygo.
This draw proves costly, as it hands the advantage to Catalonia. Following Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday, the Catalan giants now sit one point clear of Real Madrid after 14 matches, seizing control of the Spanish title race.
The top of the table remains intensely congested. Third-placed Villarreal secured a thrilling 3-2 win against Real Sociedad, courtesy of an Alberto Moleiro stoppage-time winner, positioning them just one point behind Madrid. Atletico Madrid sits closely behind in fourth, ensuring that the top four clubs in La Liga are separated by a mere three points, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive winter schedule.
