Real Madrid defeated LaLiga title contenders Girona 4-0 on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo scoring once each, extending the home side’s lead at the top of the table to five points.
Girona, who had gone undefeated in 15 league games since losing to Real Madrid in September, would have climbed to the top of the table with a win, but they remained second behind Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
“It was the best game of the season; everything went well. the challenge increases the level of the team,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“Vinicius had a great game when he played at this level, and with this mindset, he is the greatest in the world. Bellingham has a sprained ankle and will be checked tomorrow.
After six minutes, the hosts took the lead when Vinicius collected Fede Valverde’s ball and curled a fantastic long-range effort into the net for his sixth goal of the season.
“We did everything the coach asked us to do,” Vinicius, the man of the match, told Real Madrid TV.
“When the squad wants to, it’s quite tough to defeat us. I don’t normally shoot outside the box, but today I felt confident and it turned out great.”
Bellingham extended the advantage when Vinicius’ through pass set up an easy finish past Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga in the 36th minute, and the England midfielder scored again from close range.
“We exercise together every day and are getting to know one another. “He’s a star, and he’s been scoring a lot of goals,” Vinicius said of Bellingham, who leads LaLiga in goals this season with 16.
Rodrygo completed the sweep in the 61st minute, hitting a rocket into the far corner off fellow Brazilian Vinicius’ second assist, before Joselu missed a late penalty.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid will travel to RB Leipzig for the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 matchup.
“We have an advantage at this stage of the season, it’s good but it’s just that, a small advantage,” he said.
“We’ve done well, and the Champions League will give us new impetus. We have to continue with our level and positive attitude.”
More in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/
Photo Credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/