Sun Feb 23 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Hosts Girona in Crucial La Liga Match; Alaba Returns to Starting Lineup

**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid faces Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu today in a crucial La Liga match, aiming to bounce back from a three-game winless streak. The match will see the return of David Alaba to the starting XI after a 434-day absence, providing much-needed respite for Antonio Rudiger. Meanwhile, Federico Valverde will be rested, ending a run of 24 consecutive starts.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is implementing rotations, with Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Modric, Camavinga, and Brahim potentially starting. Bellingham is suspended, and Carvajal and Militao remain injured. Ancelotti acknowledged the need to adapt their style of play to counter Madrid’s attacking prowess, particularly Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Valverde. Girona manager Míchel echoed this sentiment, stating that Madrid’s high level would necessitate a change in Girona’s usual approach.

The game holds significance for Kylian Mbappé’s pursuit of the Pichichi Trophy (top scorer). Following Robert Lewandowski’s goalless game yesterday, Mbappé, three goals behind, has a chance to close the gap.

Girona, despite not replicating last season’s success, is looking to climb the table with a win. Captain Stuani addressed recent controversies surrounding refereeing in La Liga, emphasizing the importance of trust and solidarity with match officials, stating that the team would not participate if they believed the referee to be biased.

The match promises to be exciting, with both teams eager to perform well in front of a large crowd. The Real Madrid lineup includes Courtois; Lucas, Asensio, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Modric, Brahim; Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Mbappé. Girona’s starting eleven features Gazzaniga; Arnau Martínez, David López, Krejci, Blind, Miguel Gutiérrez; Romeu, Van de Beek, Iván Martín, Tsygankov, and Danjuma.

Read More