[**Real Madrid**](https://www.managingmadrid.com/) **3-0 Girona** _(Bellingham, Güler & Mbappé)._ Fortunes favour Madrid once more. Here is my reaction to the big win. Still to come: Player ratings, interviews and the brilliant ManagingMadrid podcast
Hopes had been dashed after the defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but after Barcelona slipped up again - [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com) were gifted another lifeline in the league. Girona stood in their way, who were one of the stand-out teams last season. Rodrygo Goes was out with an injury, meaning that Brahim Díaz came in on the offence. Arda Güler also got the start, but Raúl Asencio was benched in favour of Aurélien Tchouaméni at centre-back. The bench was small, and included the likes of Endrick and Dani Ceballos. Luka Modrić captained Real Madrid.
The game started off slowly, but nothing but a win would do it for Real Madrid. In spite of this, Donny Van de Beek had the game’s first real chance, firing over the bar from the edge of the box. Half-time was looming, but one of Madrid’s stellar players was on hand to fire them ahead. Jude Bellingham took his time netting his first goal of the season, but since then he hasn’t been able to stop scoring - putting his side ahead going into the break. 1-0 Madrid before the team talks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni started the second half off brightly with a headed attempt that needed saving. The quality of Jude Bellingham made this bright start count, when he threaded through Arda Güler to finish low past the keeper and double the lead. Kylian Mbappé secured the win when Luka Modrić played him forward at a tight angle, only for the Frenchman to make it look easy and hopefully start to turn his fortunes around. Mbappé would have doubled his tally if not for the keeper making another strong save. That ended up being the last meaningful action of the half, with Madrid running away 3-0 victors. Los Blancos are once more a single victory away from the top of the La Liga table. Thoughts?