Real Madrid held by Girona as Barcelona eye nine-point lead | OneFootball

Real Madrid dropped further points in the La Liga title race after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The result leaves Madrid facing an increasingly difficult task in the title race.

League leaders Barcelona now have the opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the table.

If Barcelona win their next fixture, they could move nine points clear with only seven matches remaining.

The draw also extended a difficult run of results for Madrid across competitions.

The Spanish giants entered the match following defeat to Mallorca in the league and a 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Madrid initially struggled to establish control against a confident Girona side.

Girona created the first clear opportunity when Azzedine Ounahi forced a strong save from Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Madrid gradually improved as the first half progressed but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.

Jude Bellingham came close with an effort from inside the area, while Federico Valverde also tested Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Madrid finally moved ahead early in the second half through Valverde.

The midfielder struck from distance in the 51st minute, with Gazzaniga unable to prevent the ball slipping through his grasp and into the net.

The goal appeared to give the hosts the momentum they had been searching for.

However, Girona responded quickly to restore parity.

Thomas Lemar scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area.

The French midfielder found space outside the box before firing a low shot beyond Lunin.

The goal silenced the Bernabeu crowd and shifted the pressure back onto Madrid.

Madrid pushed forward in the closing stages in search of a decisive goal.

Kylian Mbappé came closest to finding a late winner but saw his effort saved by Gazzaniga.

The forward also appealed for a penalty after going down in the box late in the match, but the referee waved play on.

Girona defended resolutely in the final minutes to secure a valuable away point.

The result leaves Madrid with little margin for error in the remaining weeks of the season.

Barcelona now have the chance to strengthen their grip on the title race if they capitalise on Madrid’s dropped points.