Real Madrid escaped defeat in Girona thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s 67th‑minute spot‑kick, which cancelled out a first‑half lead for the home side. The French forward, who has now scored 23 goals in 19 games this season, tucked the ball low past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga after Vinícius Jr was fouled by Hugo Rincon in the box.
Girona, sitting third‑from‑bottom with 12 points, had taken the lead just before halftime through Azzedine Ounahi’s strike. The hosts pressed hard, limiting Real’s attacking output, and doubled their advantage on the counter‑attack when Ounahi’s first‑time shot from the edge of the area found the top corner.
Madrid’s early chances were limited – they managed only one shot on target in the opening period – and an early goal was ruled out after the referee deemed Mbappé’s effort to have hit his hand. The second half saw a shift in approach: Xabi Alonso’s side pressed higher, creating quick chances through the middle. Vinícius Jr. was involved in several promising moves, though a goal was disallowed for offside.
The draw leaves Real second in La Liga, one point behind leaders Barcelona, and extends their winless streak to five matches in all competitions, with only one victory in that span. Girona remain in the relegation zone, but the point was a hard‑earned reward for their disciplined performance.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong
