Crisis of form ahead of Bayern’s second leg: Real slip up in the league against Girona | OneFootball

Real Madrid suffered another setback five days before the decisive second leg of their Champions League tie against FC Bayern. The Whites were held to a 1-1 draw against FC Girona in La Liga – a result that further diminishes their already dwindling title chances and changes the omens for the clash in Munich

After the 2-1 defeat in the first leg against the record champions, Madrid were already under pressure. Against Girona, coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s team showed control of the game for long stretches, but once again lacked the necessary penetration. Fede Valverde put Real ahead shortly after the break, but Thomas Lemar equalised just a few minutes later

Real miss chances – Mbappé unlucky

Real pressed for the win in the closing stages, but remained inefficient. Kylian Mbappé missed a great chance in the 86th minute, and a potential penalty was also not awarded. Overall, the Whites lacked the final touch – a problem that has become more frequent of late

The rotation in the squad was also noticeable, with Arbeloa resting key regulars Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold to keep them fresh for the second leg against Bayern. Nevertheless, Real were unable to win the game – a further sign that their form is not currently on the up

Championship receding into the distance

Real remain in second place in the table, but the gap to FC Barcelona could widen further at the weekend. If Barça win the city derby against Espanyol, the championship would be out of reach for the Madrilenians

This could hardly come at a better time for FC Bayern: while Munich go into the second leg with confidence after their away win at the Bernabéu, Real travel to Munich with growing pressure and slight doubts about their form

Nevertheless, caution is still advised: Real Madrid have often proven in the Champions League that they can come back from difficult situations.