da 888casino： Carlo Ancelotti's attack ripped their title rivals apart as the hosts won 4-0 to establish a comfortable lead at the top of the Liga table
da dobrowin： It's February, and Real Madrid might just have made their claim as the sole favourites to win La Liga. They proved as such with an emphatic attacking display against second-placed Girona, the tandem of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr proving crucial throughout in a devastating 4-0 win.
Vinicius opened the scoring with Madrid's first real attack, exploiting open space down the wing before curling an effort off the post from outside the box. The Brazilian assisted his side's second, too. He whipped a fine trivela pass behind the Girona defence – which Bellingham corralled, took round the goalkeeper, and tucked into an empty net.
Los Blancos only improved further after the break. Bellingham found the net for a second time, before being removed with a knock to his ankle. Rodrygo made it four just after the hour mark, putting the contest well beyond reach of Girona.
There were some concerns here for Carlo Ancelotti. Bellingham needed heavy strapping on his injured foot, while he still doesn't have a fit first-team centre-back. Still, if this was the title decider, than Madrid made it look far too easy.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (7/10):
Not particularly troubled at all. Will take the clean sheet.
Lucas Vazquez (7/10):
Industrious down the right, with some real attacking quality to boot. Filled in for Carvajal admirably.
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
A bit reckless at times, but otherwise comfortable in a centre-back position. He might have to play there again with Antonio Rudiger injured.
Dani Carvajal (6/10):
Odd to see him play on the left – even if he handled it well. Exploited in the air once or twice, which seems to be a weakness.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Solid in the first half, but given real problems by Savio in the second.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):
Covered so much ground, all over the pitch. Won challenges at one end, created chances at the other. An immense showing.
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Pinged it around, as per usual. Didn't have to move that much – the rest of the midfield sorted that for him.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Full of legs in centre midfield. Won his tackles, kept the ball moving. He's a changed player this season, and has adapted to a different role with aplomb.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Operated more like a striker for the first period. Took Madrid's second goal wonderfully – his first from open play in two months. Bagged the third, too. His ankle injury will be something of a worry, though.
Getty ImagesAttack
Rodrygo (7/10):
Was having a very difficult game until he lashed one into the bottom corner to make it 4-0.
Vinicius Jr (9/10):
Looked up for it from the first minute. Opened the scoring with a wonderful strike – even if the Girona defence did stand off him slightly. His assist for Bellingham was ridiculous, too.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
An exciting showing after replacing Bellingham. Could be in line for more minutes if Madrid's star man faces an injury lay-off.
Joselu (4/10):
Barely touched the ball – even if he put the effort in. Missed a late penalty.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Controlled things in the middle. Not a bad option off the bench.
Arda Guler (N/A):
A rare showing for the promising youngster. Didn't get involved much.
Fran Garcia (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):
Got a vintage performance out of his side. Madrid soaked up pressure for five minutes, and then were in complete control for the other 85. The title isn't wrapped up yet, but this was a big step.