Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe scored the goals as Real Madrid recorded a 3-0 victory over Girona in Saturday night's La Liga contest at Estadi Montilivi.
Carlo Ancelotti's side made the most of Barcelona's setback against Real Betis earlier in the day, with the result moving Los Blancos onto 36 points in the La Liga table, just two points behind leaders Barcelona, who have played a game more.
Donny van de Beek passed up Girona's best chance of the first period, with the former Manchester United midfielder missing the target from inside the penalty box, and the hosts were made to pay before the break.
Indeed, it was Bellingham who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, with the England international striking into the back of the net after the ball had fallen for him following a period of panic inside the Girona box.
Bellingham has now scored in each of his last five league appearances, with the former Birmingham City youngster finding his form in the latter stages of 2024 after a slow start to the season.
The Englishman then turned provider for Guler in the second period, with his excellent pass being collected by the forward, who found the bottom corner with an excellent finish to give Girona a mountain to climb.
Mbappe's performances this season remain under the microscope, but the France international also got his name on the scoresheet in the 62nd minute, finishing from a wide angle after being found by Luka Modric, with the 25-year-old wrapping up the scoring on a brilliant night for Real Madrid.
GIRONA VS. REAL MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
36th min: Girona 0-1 Real Madrid (Jude Bellingham)
Breakthrough! Real Madrid strike first in the 36th minute of the contest, as Bellingham finds the back of the net with a powerful effort after Girona had failed to deal with a low cross from Guler.
55th min: Girona 0-2 Real Madrid (Arda Guler)
Real Madrid double their advantage in the 55th minute of the clash, and the goal comes from Guler, with the Turkey international racing onto a pass from Bellingham before expertly finishing into the corner of the net.
62nd min: Girona 0-3 Real Madrid (Kylian Mbappe)
Real Madrid score their third in the 62nd minute and surely secure all three points, as Mbappe finishes low into the far corner after being found by Modric; Mbappe needed that goal!
MAN OF THE MATCH - JUDE BELLINGHAM
There was criticism surrounding Bellingham in the early stages of the season, with his level dipping after such an exceptional 2023-24 campaign, but he has been back to his best in recent weeks.
The attacker made the breakthrough on Saturday evening, before setting up Guler for 2-0 in the second period, but it was his overall performance that impressed the most, with the 21-year-old an influential figure for Los Blancos, coming up with the goods when his team needed him most.
GIRONA VS. REAL MADRID MATCH STATS
Possession: Girona 42%-58% Real Madrid
Shots: Girona 10-10 Real Madrid
Shots on target: Girona 4-7 Real Madrid
Corners: Girona 6-3 Real Madrid
Fouls: Girona 6-7 Real Madrid
BEST STAT
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will now switch their attention to a huge Champions League clash with Atalanta BC on Tuesday night, with Los Blancos under pressure to win due to their struggles in Europe this season; Ancelotti's side will then be back in La Liga action away to Rayo Vallecano next weekend.
Girona, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their first La Liga defeat since the end of October when they tackle Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, before heading to Mallorca in the league next weekend.
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