Real Madrid came from behind but were unable to get over the line in a frustrating 1-1 draw with a well-drilled Girona. Kylian Mbappe's second half penalty cancelled out a well-worked opener from the La Liga strugglers, yet Madrid couldn't find a second - and stay one point off the top in La Liga in another twist to the title race.
Madrid probed for opportunities early on, but were left rather exposed on the break. Thibaut Courtois responded, though, producing a couple of good saves to keep the visitors level. Los Blancos thought they had taken the lead when Mbappe slotted home, but his goal was correctly chalked off when VAR determined there was a handball in the build up. A defensive lapse undid Madrid, in the end. Girona were allowed to work the ball down the right, before Azzedine Ounahi swept one past Courtois from the top of the box from a well-timed feed from Viktor Tsigankov.
Los Blancos had their chances to start the second half. They had the ball in the net again on the hour mark, but saw it ruled out again after Vinicius Jr was in an offside position when he poked home. Madrid got their equalizer from the spot after 65 minutes. Vinicius scampered around his man and was brought down inside the box. Mbappe tucked the penalty into the bottom corner. Madrid came close numerous times after. Vinicius missed a couple narrowly. Mbappe was denied from close range.
But there was never a second. Girona were resilient at the back, and Madrid lacked a crucial bit of quality needed to put the game away. This can be considered nothing other than a chance to go top wasted.
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