7M - La Liga Preview: Real Madrid vs Girona - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Madrid return to La Liga action at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday night, hosting Girona as they look to keep their title hopes alive following consecutive defeats across competitions.

Los Blancos sit second in the standings, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, after a 2-1 loss to Mallorca last weekend compounded by a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. With eight league matches remaining, Real Madrid must win every remaining fixture to have any chance of catching Barcelona, while also needing to overturn their European deficit in Germany next week.

Despite recent setbacks, Real Madrid have been formidable at home this season, securing 13 wins from 15 La Liga matches at the Bernabeu. Their attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham remains a constant threat, though defensive lapses have cost them in crucial moments. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a balancing act, needing to rotate squad members ahead of the Bayern return leg while maintaining intensity against a resilient Girona side.

Girona arrive in the capital in 12th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone and seven behind sixth-placed Celta Vigo. Michel's side have shown improved form recently, claiming six points from their last three league outings, including a 1-0 victory over Villarreal. Their away record stands at 15 points from 15 road fixtures, demonstrating a capacity to compete on the road.

Defensively, Girona have tightened up under Michel, conceding fewer goals in recent weeks. However, they face a significant challenge containing Real Madrid's forward line, particularly with Vinicius Junior and Mbappe likely to start. Historically, Girona have struggled at the Bernabeu, losing four of their last five meetings with Los Blancos, though they did secure a memorable 2-1 win at this venue in February 2019.

Team News

Real Madrid will be without Rodrygo (knee), Thibaut Courtois (thigh) and Franco Mastantuono (suspended). Ferland Mendy (hamstring) faces a late fitness test. With Aurelien Tchouameni suspended for the Champions League return leg, he is expected to start in midfield. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Fran Garcia and Eduardo Camavinga are all candidates for recalls as Arbeloa rotates his squad.

For Girona, Portu (knee), Donny van de Beek (Achilles), Juan Carlos (knee), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (hamstring) and Ricard Artero (ankle) are ruled out. Vladyslav Vanat (thigh) and Daley Blind (muscle) are doubts after being substituted against Villarreal. Abel Ruiz could lead the line if Vanat is unavailable, while Ivan Martin is expected to retain his midfield role.

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Vinicius, Mbappe

Girona: Gazzaniga; Martinez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Beltran, Witsel; Tsygankov, Martin, Ounahi; Ruiz

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Girona

Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points in their pursuit of Barcelona, and the pressure to win at home should drive a focused performance. While Girona have shown resilience and could exploit any complacency, Los Blancos' quality in the final third is likely to prove decisive. Expect a hard-fought victory for the hosts as they keep their slim title hopes alive.