Official: Real Madrid starting XI to face Girona

Real Madrid is set to face Girona FC at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium today, February 23, 2025, in a pivotal La Liga fixture. With the title race intensifying, securing three points is essential for Los Blancos to keep pace with rivals FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of this match, especially after a series of underwhelming league performances. In a recent press conference, Ancelotti stated, “We cannot afford to drop more points in LaLiga if we want to stay in the title race.” This sentiment reflects the urgency within the squad to regain their winning form in domestic competition. citeturn0news30

The official starting lineup for Real Madrid has been announced, featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal. The defense comprises Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy. In midfield, Luka Modric, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Brahim Díaz will orchestrate play, while the attacking trio includes Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. citeturn0news31

Notably, Jude Bellingham is absent from the squad due to a two-match suspension following an incident in the 1-1 draw against Osasuna. His absence necessitates adjustments in midfield dynamics, with Brahim Díaz stepping into a more prominent role. citeturn0news30

Defensively, the return of David Alaba is a significant boost for Real Madrid. Alaba has been sidelined for an extended period due to injury, and his experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the backline. Partnering with Raúl Asencio, who has recently earned the coaching staff’s trust, the duo aims to provide stability against Girona’s offensive threats. citeturn0news31

Girona FC enters this match seeking to overturn a challenging spell, having suffered four defeats in their last five league outings. Head coach Míchel remains optimistic, expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. However, the team will be without midfielder Yangel Herrera, who is suspended following a red card in their previous match against Getafe. Iván Martín is expected to fill the void in midfield, offering defensive solidity and playmaking capabilities. citeturn0news29

The probable lineup for Girona includes Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, with a defensive line of Arnau Martínez, David López, Tomas Křepř, and Daley Blind. The midfield trio is likely to feature Iván Martín, Oriol Romeu, and Miguel Gutiérrez, while Viktor Tsygankov, Bryan Gil, and Abel Ruiz are set to lead the attack. This formation aims to balance defensive resilience with offensive creativity, posing potential challenges to Real Madrid’s defense. citeturn0news29

Real Madrid’s recent form in La Liga has been a cause for concern, with the team failing to secure victories in their last three league matches. Consecutive losses to Espanyol and draws against Atlético de Madrid and Osasuna have allowed Barcelona to ascend to the top of the table, albeit only on goal difference. This match against Girona presents an opportunity for Los Blancos to reclaim momentum and reaffirm their championship aspirations. citeturn0news30

In contrast, Girona’s recent struggles have seen them slip to 11th place in the standings. Despite their current form, Girona has previously demonstrated the ability to challenge top-tier teams, making them a potential threat if underestimated. Their tactical approach under Míchel emphasizes possession-based football, aiming to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm and exploit any defensive lapses. citeturn0news29

The attacking partnership of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé is anticipated to be a focal point for Real Madrid. Mbappé, who recently netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City, is in scintillating form. Vinícius’s pace and dribbling prowess complement Mbappé’s clinical finishing, creating a dynamic duo capable of dismantling defenses. Their synergy will be crucial in breaking down Girona’s defensive setup. citeturn0news33

Midfield maestro Luka Modric continues to be the linchpin in Real Madrid’s engine room. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of the game are instrumental in transitioning from defense to attack. Alongside Tchouaméni and Díaz, Modric’s experience will be vital in dictating play and maintaining composure under pressure. The midfield battle is expected to be intense, with Girona’s Oriol Romeu providing a formidable presence. citeturn0news31

Defensively, Real Madrid will need to be vigilant against Girona’s forward line, particularly the threat posed by Viktor Tsygankov and Bryan Gil. Both players possess flair and creativity, capable of unlocking defenses with incisive runs and precise passing. The coordination between Alaba and Asencio, along with support from full-backs Vázquez and Mendy, will be essential in neutralizing Girona’s attacking endeavors. citeturn0news29

The Santiago Bernabéu is expected to be a cauldron of support, with fans eager to see their team return to winning ways. Home advantage has historically been a significant factor for Real Madrid, and the players will look to harness the crowd’s energy to fuel a dominant performance. A victory would not only boost morale but also send a statement to their title rivals about their intent and resilience.

In summary, the clash between Real Madrid and Girona FC is more than just a routine league match; it’s a critical juncture in the season that could influence the trajectory of