Real Madrid Face Girona: Everything You Need to Know Before the Showdown

Real Madrid welcome Girona to La Liga action on Friday evening before what promises to be a passionate Bernabéu crowd.

Just as Los Blancos appeared to be finding their form, they were stunned by Mallorca last weekend before falling 2–1 to Bayern Munich in the opening leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The prospect of lifting silverware this season has suddenly grown very dim.

Barcelona now lead the La Liga table with a seven-point advantage over their fierce rivals, a margin that appears far too large for Álvaro Arbeloa's side to overcome. Nevertheless, they will not surrender without a fight, even if winning their remaining league games ultimately serves only their pride.

On paper, Girona present a prime opportunity for Real Madrid to return to winning ways this weekend. The Catalan side, sitting 12th in the standings, are erratic at best and plagued by a string of injuries. Míchel's squad, however, will look to replicate the blueprint Mallorca executed on Saturday to topple the far-from-invincible 15-time European champions.

Real Madrid vs. Girona Score Prediction

Despite Real Madrid's underwhelming display against Mallorca, it's difficult to picture the Spanish giants succumbing to a weaker opponent for a second straight weekend, particularly given how strongly they finished against Bayern midweek.

The pressure from the home supporters alone should ignite Los Blancos, though the road to three points will be far from straightforward. Girona are coming off an impressive win against Villarreal and have already defeated both Barcelona and Athletic Club in 2026.

Ultimately, the talent within Arbeloa's squad should be enough to secure the result at the Bernabéu—even if the performance falls short of what supporters would hope for.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Girona

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Girona

What was once a heavily depleted Real Madrid squad is now nearly back to full fitness. Only Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo remain sidelined, while Franco Mastantuono serves a suspension for the fixture.

Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão have returned from lengthy spells on the treatment table and are expected to feature on Friday for the first time since picking up their respective injuries. The match will serve as a warm-up ahead of their anticipated starts against Bayern on Wednesday.

Fran García is also the leading candidate to start on the left side following two poor performances from Álvaro Carreras. Another adjustment sees Eduardo Camavinga come into the side, with Arbeloa confirming he will start against Girona.

With a suspension hanging over him for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Aurélien Tchouaméni keeps his spot in midfield for Girona's visit—a game he would ordinarily sit out to preserve his fitness ahead of the trip to Germany.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Girona (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, F. García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.

Girona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Unlike Real Madrid, Girona are contending with a number of absentees. Portu and Juan Carlos both sustained ACL injuries early in the season and have yet to make their returns. Donny van de Beek has also been absent since September with a serious Achilles problem.

Marc-André ter Stegen continues to recover from a hamstring injury, leaving Paulo Gazzaniga to hold his place in goal. Daley Blind is facing a late fitness assessment after being substituted during the team's 1–0 victory over Villarreal with apparent discomfort.

The most notable absence, however, is Vladyslav Vanat. The striker, who tops the team's scoring charts, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Monday's match. Abel Ruiz will be handed the chance to lead the attack in his absence on Friday.

Girona predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martínez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Beltrán, Witsel; Tsygankov, Martín, Ounahi; Ruiz.

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