Luka Modric rolled back the years with a stunning long-range strike to help Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The win brought Los Blancos level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, maintaining their grip on the title race.
With rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both winning on Saturday, the pressure was on for Madrid. Thibaut Courtois was called into action early, making a crucial save to deny Arnau Martinez. Girona, last season’s surprise title contenders, were disciplined in defense but lacked their usual attacking fluency.
Madrid found it difficult to break through until Modric produced a moment of brilliance just before halftime. After a corner was cleared into his path, the 39-year-old midfielder controlled the ball and unleashed a thunderous shot past Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, leaving him with no chance.
The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, with Vinícius Júnior clipping the crossbar with a curling effort. Gazzaniga denied Kylian Mbappé after the French forward controlled a dropping ball expertly.
Madrid eventually sealed the win when Mbappé played a perfectly weighted pass to Vinícius, who calmly slotted past the Girona goalkeeper. Despite recent tensions with Spanish referees, Madrid had little to complain about, aside from one moment when Rodrygo found his path blocked by the official.
With this victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains firmly in the title race, showing resilience and control in a match that was more about efficiency than spectacle.
