Girona hold Real Madrid to leave title hopes hanging | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes suffered another setback as Thomas Lemar’s second-half strike earned Girona a deserved 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu.

The visitors started brightly and threatened inside the opening stages when Azzedine Ounahi forced Andriy Lunin into a smart save at his near post.

Madrid gradually settled, with Jude Bellingham going close on his return to the starting line-up before Federico Valverde tested Paulo Gazzaniga with a powerful effort from range.

Fede Valverde eventually put the hosts ahead early in the second half, his long-distance shot slipping past Gazzaniga to spark celebrations around the stadium.

However, Girona responded impressively and were level just after the hour mark when Lemar was given too much space on the edge of the box and drilled a low finish beyond Lunin.

The equaliser shifted momentum, with Girona looking the more dangerous side for a spell as frustration grew among the home supporters. Kylian Mbappé had a late opportunity to rescue the points for Madrid but was denied by Gazzaniga, before also seeing penalty appeals turned away.

Madrid have now gone three matches without a win in all competitions, and the dropped points leave Barcelona with the chance to extend their advantage at the top of the table even further.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Real Madrid leads Girona 1-0 after Federico Valverde scores with a right-footed shot from outside the box.Real Madrid leads 1-0 against Girona. Federico Valverde scores with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the left corner, assisted by Brahim Díaz.

51':

GOAL Real Madrid: Fede Valverde (Real Madrid) scores!

Fede Valverde scores goal number 5 in the competition (29 matches)

The match is now 1-1 as Thomas Lemar scores for Girona with a left-footed shot from outside the box into the right corner, assisted by Arnau Martínez.

62':

GOAL Girona: Thomas Lemar (Girona) scores!

Thomas Lemar scores goal number 3 in the competition (21 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match