The Spanish La Liga title race heats up as second-placed Real Madrid host Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, February 23.
Both teams are fighting for crucial points, with Los Blancos aiming to reclaim the top spot and Girona seeking to revive their European ambitions amid a recent slump in form.
🤍Real Madrid Aim to Bounce Back in La Liga | Home Win = 1.31💵
Real Madrid enters this clash off a morale-boosting 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester City, yet their recent La Liga form raises concerns with just two points from their last three matches.
Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti’s men remain formidable at home, amassing 28 points from 11 league matches. Without key playmaker Jude Bellingham due to suspension, Madrid will rely on Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. 's attacking prowess.
🔴Girona Hope to Upset the Odds | Away Win = 9.07💵
Girona's fairytale run last season is a distant memory as they arrive at the Bernabeu with six losses in their last seven matches in all competitions. Sitting 10th with 31 points, their European hopes hinge on reversing this poor form.
Away struggles persist, with just 12 points from 12 road games this term. Coach Michel faces personnel challenges with Herrera suspended for a game Girona will need a disciplined performance to avoid a repeat of the 3-0 reverse fixture defeat.
🗝️Key Players & Team News📰:
Real Madrid, missing Jude in addition to long-term absentees like Carvajal and Militao, will see their attacking burden fall on in-form Mbappe, with Brazilian duo Vini Jr. and Rodrygo providing width. Ceballos' recent form earns him a likely start, while Vazquez could return at right-back.
Herrera's suspension opens a midfield slot for Asprilla. Bryan Gil and Portu will be key to Girona's counterattacking threat, while veteran Daley Blind anchors the defence in a likely 3-4-3 setup.
🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 6.39💵
⚽Real Madrid boasts a strong record against Girona, winning all their last 3 meetings against the Catalan club by at least a 3-goal margin (0-3, 4-0, & 0-3). | Specials Market: Home & Over 2.5 = 1.61
⚽The last time Girona managed a win over Madrid at the Bernabeu was in 2019, (1-2). Since then, they’ve lost one and drew the other of their two (2) visits to the Bernabeu. (1-1 & 4-0) | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 2.5 = 7.20
⚽Five (5) of the last six (6) meetings between these teams have seen over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring in four of those encounters. | Main Market: GG (Yes) = 1.41
With the title race finely poised, Real Madrid will be desperate for three points to keep pace with leaders Barcelona. Girona, despite their struggles, will look to defy the odds in what promises to be an intense contest at the Bernabeu.
🔗You can follow the La Liga game, Real Madrid vs Girona, here on MSport.
#Laliga #RealMadrid #Girona #Ancelotti #Mbappe #ViniJr #Rodrygo
Two of Europe’s biggest powerhouses, Real Madrid and Manchester City, face off in a decisive UEFA Champions League knockout clash at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
After a thrilling first leg at the Etihad, where Real Madrid edged out 3-2 winners, Pep Guardiola’s men must overcome the deficit to keep their European dreams alive.
Real Madrid, fuelled by their love affair with this competition, are on the brink of securing a quarterfinal spot. Meanwhile, Manchester City, 2023’s winners, are out to break their first-leg curse and pull off a crucial away victory.
🤍Real Madrid Aim to Seal Progress at Magical Home | Home Win = 2.02💵
Los Blancos return to the Bernabeu in high spirits, holding a vital first-leg advantage. Despite recent La Liga struggles, including a 1-1 draw with Osasuna, Real Madrid remain dominant in Europe. They have advanced from 37 of their last 39 knockout ties when winning the first leg away.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are unbeaten against City in their last 3 meetings, and with Mbappe firing, they will aim to exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities. A strong defensive display aided by the possible return of Antonio Rudiger, could see Madrid tighten their grip on the tie.
🔵Man City Hope to Overturn First-Leg Deficit | Away Win = 3.42💵
Man City must defy history, having never overturned a first-leg defeat in the UCL knockout rounds. However, Guardiola’s side have found their rhythm domestically, dismantling Newcastle 4-0 in their recent Premier League outing.
Erling Haaland, with 49 Champions League goals, is on the verge of breaking records, and his presence will be crucial in City’s attacking approach as they aim to break a three-game UCL away losing streak.
🗝️Key Players & Team News📰:
Real Madrid received a significant boost with Rudiger and David Alaba returning to training, though Lucas Vazquez remains sidelined. Jude, despite his looming domestic ban, is set to play a key role in Madrid’s midfield battle.
Man City welcomes back Dias and Ake, while Jack Grealish faces a late fitness test. Manuel Akanji’s absence will be felt, and Guardiola must find a way to keep Madrid’s attack at bay.
🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.32💵
⚽Real Madrid has progressed in 37 of their last 39 European knockout ties after winning the first leg away while Man City are winless in their last three UCL away games. | Main Market: Home/Draw & Over 2.5 = 1.78
⚽Man City have beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabeu before in the UCL, 1-2, in the 2020 UCL R16 2nd leg knockout tie. KDB scored for City in that game | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 2.5 = 2.60
⚽Haaland is one goal away from becoming the youngest and fastest player to reach 50 UCL goals. | Player Market: Haaland to Score Anytime = 2.14
With a spot in the quarterfinals on the line, expect another intense battle between these two European giants.
🔗You can follow & bet on the UCL game, Real Madrid vs Man City, on MSport.
#UCL #RealMadrid #ManCity #Ancelotti #Pep #Mbappe #Haaland #KDB