Ageless Modric, brilliant Vinicius help Real Madrid keep pace with Barcelona in Girona win

A goal in either half helped Real Madrid to a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory over Girona to return to second on the LALIGA standings.

With Atletico and Barcelona having picked up wins yesterday, Los Blancos had no margin for error when they hosted Girona at Santiago Bernabeu. The ageless Luka Modric gave the former Charmatin landlords the lead with a stunning strike. before Vinicius sealed the victory late in the game, assisted by Kylian Mbappe.

Girona had an impressive start to the game, as they tend to do against Real Madrid, with Arnau Martínez forcing Thibaut Courtois into action from a narrow angle. 

Real Madrid responded swiftly, however, with Paulo Gazzaniga called upon to thwart Kylian Mbappe's effort mere seconds later. As the quarter-hour mark approached, Real's attacking prowess became increasingly evident, with Vinícius Junior heading over the crossbar following a delightful exchange of passes. 

Despite encountering a resolute Girona rearguard, Real Madrid maintained their composure, with Brahim Díaz unleashing a fierce strike that Gazzaniga palmed away. Luka Modric then fired over, but it was clear that Real's pressure would eventually tell. 

Just before the break, Modric conjured a moment of sheer brilliance, chesting down David Lopez's attempted clearance and dispatching a sublime strike into the top corner to give the hosts the lead. Gazzaniga continued to thwart Real's efforts, denying Mbappe once more, while Krejci made a crucial intervention to block Rodrygo's header.

Ultimately, Real's persistence paid off in the 83rd minute, as Vinícius combined with Mbappe to poke the ball past Gazzaniga. With the win, Real Madrid are now level points with Barcelona, but behind of goals and head-to-head.