Real Madrid returns to the Santiago Bernabéu just four days after its emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester City. 

No Bellingham, but Ancelotti Has a Plan

Real Madrid will have to manage without Jude Bellingham, who will serve the first of a two-match suspension following his red card in Pamplona. According to referee José Luis Munuera Montero’s report, Bellingham used disrespectful language, claiming to have heard "fuck you," while the midfielder and the club insist he actually said "fuck off."

In his absence, Brahim Díaz is expected to take his place, providing both attacking creativity and the defensive work rate that Carlo Ancelotti demands in that position. Ancelotti has hinted at fresh legs in the lineup, suggesting that Fede Valverde could start on the bench for the first time in LaLiga EA Sports this season.

With Lucas Vázquez returning to the right-back position and long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão still recovering, Ancelotti has options to rotate his squad. Eduardo Camavinga is set to return to the starting lineup, and Luka Modrić could start ahead of Dani Ceballos. Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé—who has scored six goals in his last four matches—and Vinícius Junior will lead the charge.

In defense, Aurélien Tchouaméni might again be deployed as a center-back instead of Antonio Rüdiger, who rushed back from a muscle injury to face Manchester City. Real Madrid, having dropped seven of its last nine league points, has seen FC Barcelona overtake it at the top of the table, although both teams sit level at 51 points, with the Catalans ahead due to their head-to-head record (0-4 in the first half of the season).

Girona’s Struggles and Michel’s Tactical Dilemma

Girona arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu in poor form, having lost four of its last five LaLiga EA Sports matches. In its previous game, Míchel Sánchez’s team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Getafe, largely due to costly defensive mistakes.

The main issues for Girona this season have been its defensive fragility and lack of creativity in the final third. Despite being one of the league leaders in possession and entries into the attacking zone, the team has struggled to create clear-cut chances while also conceding too many turnovers that lead to dangerous counterattacks.

To address these problems, the club signed Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus for the rest of the season. The former Barcelona midfielder made his debut against Getafe and could start for the first time against Real Madrid. Girona, currently sitting in 11th place, is only four points away from a European spot, making this match a crucial opportunity to turn its season around.

Míchel Sánchez has acknowledged the team’s struggles and even admitted that he has doubts about the current tactical approach. To make matters worse, Girona will be without Yangel Herrera, a key player in midfield, due to suspension. However, Arnaut Danjuma and Abel Ruiz are back from injury and could play a role, with Ruiz potentially replacing Cristhian Stuani in the starting lineup.

Probable Lineups

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, Fran García; Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior.

Girona FC: Gazzaniga; Arnau, David López, Krejci, Blind; Arthur or Romeu, Iván Martín; Bryan, Tsygankov, Miguel; Abel Ruiz.

Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (Balearic Committee).
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu.

Standings:

• Real Madrid: 2nd place, 51 points.
• Girona: 11th place, 31 points.

Key Factor: Kylian Mbappé's current form against Girona's defensive struggles.

Stat: Real Madrid has earned only two of the last nine possible points in LaLiga EA Sports, while Girona has collected just three of the last 15.

Quotes:

• Carlo Ancelotti: “We showed a great version of ourselves against Manchester City, and we need to do it again. There's no room for mistakes.”
• Míchel Sánchez: “We have to play our best game of the season and hope that Real Madrid is below its usual level.”

Injury/Suspension Report:

• Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão (injuries), Jude Bellingham (suspension).
• Girona: Yangel Herrera (suspension).
• Returning Players: Arnaut Danjuma, Abel Ruiz (Girona).

Yellow Card Watch:

• Real Madrid: Dani Ceballos.
• Girona: Donny van de Beek.