Why Real Madrid Suffered a Shock Defeat to Girona
February 18, 2019
After putting up impressive performances in recent weeks, the Los Blancos’ seven-game unbeaten ended after a shambolic performance against visitors Girona. Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos also saw red in the game.
Real Madrid had back to back victories in the La Liga, including wins against Sevilla and Athletico Madrid, which saw them move to the second position and reignited their title hopes.
Santiago Solari’s side gathered so much momentum in recent weeks and looked destined to challenge Barcelona for the trophy. Their title hopes might have been quashed by an abysmal performance against Girona on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Let’s take a short analysis of the match, and find out why Real Madrid lost to Girona.
First, Sergio Ramos was terrible and deservedly sent off. The Spanish centre-back failed to provide the leadership qualities that his team needed. He never really looked sharp and was rash in his decision making. Also, Ramos was to blame for the first goal. Despite his team taking the lead in the first half, Ramos conceded the penalty which saw Girona level in the 65th minute, a deliberate handball as he tried to block a shot. Cristhian Stuani never looked back and scored from the penalty spot.
The second was Brazilian left-back, Marcelo. After being left out of the squad in the recent games, Marcelo came back into the line-up. Girona coach, Eusebio Sacristan knew that Marcelo was Real Madrid’s weakness and he decided to target Marcelo’s flank. He switched winger Portu over to their right, and it reaped the rewards. Marcelo, struggled continuously as the match went by. He lacked awareness and was woeful in defending; Marcelo was nowhere to be seen as Portu strolled into the area and aimed a shot against the post. Courtois saved a shot from Lozano, and it went back into the danger zone, Marcelo was not close enough to Portu, who scored easily.
The third was the poor in-game management from Solari. Solari is still a beginner in terms of in-game management. Despite his fantastic start in Madrid, he didn’t know how to react as the match went and change the rhythm of the game. He brought on Vinicius and Gareth Bale, but it was too late for the Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is now third in the La Liga table, and is six points behind leaders Barcelona.
This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Collins Michael Nwokolo. Follow him on Twitter and Pinterest.
