Copa del Rey has turned out to be a surprising priority for Los Blancos. The current Champions League holders have had a depressing season in La Liga so far. Girona narrowly lost the first tie 4-2. Real Madrid vs. Girona could turn out to be the surprise derby football fans never knew they were bound to receive
Real Madrid vs. Girona doesn’t exactly have the kind of ring reserved for an El Clasico or Madrid Derby. But with one of the poorest seasons in memory for Real, a team reeling from the loss of some of their most important personnel, and a solid La Liga campaign for Girona, football fans could be onto something good.
Girona were close to a surprise victory in the first tie last night. The team went up early in the game, then equalized later on. But goals from Vasquez, Benzema and Ramos were enough to gift Real a narrow victory. Qualification is clearly not yet settled.
⏱ | 4-2 | 90 minutes down, 90 more to go next week in Girona. 💪 #RMCopa pic.twitter.com/B9i3xPqSTA
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 24, 2019
If Girona’s 12th place in the league is not enough to have Real be on their toes, their victory against Atletico Madrid in the previous round certainly should. Diego Simeone’s team had the chance of a two legged tie making the defeat even more significant. Draws in both games and advantage in away goals have brought Girona here.
Looking to steal Barcelona’s thunder
While Real have recorded unprecedented success in the Champions League, the most important club competition in Europe, they haven’t fared as well in Copa del Rey. Arch nemesis, and current La Liga leaders, Barcelona, have won the competition four years running.
Last season Real were knocked out of the competition by lowly Leganes. Silverware is a great source of pride for Real, of course. Los Blancos are the most successful side historically in both European competitions, as well as domestically.
Gareth Bale to be looking on from the stands
Bale is Real’s biggest injury concern for next Thursday’s match. The injury has not proven to be serious. Even so, minor medical concerns have plagued the Welshman’s career in recent years.
Gareth Bale has perhaps not done enough to made the Madridista fateful consign to oblivion the memory of Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Welshman has been Real’s most consistent scorer throughout the season. As things are shaping up, manager Solari is likely to give youngster Vinicius Jr a crack at the first team. He will round up the team’s attack alongside Vasquez and Benzema.
Fantasy football managers will likely to show a real interest in this match.This, in spite of not being included in a FootballCoin contest. Real Madrid vs. Girona promises to be an entertaining match. For the fantasy football managers on the lookout for a challenge, don’t miss out on this weekend’s free FootballCoin contest featuring matches from La Liga.
