Match Preview

Real Madrid take on Girona at the Estadi Montilivi for their second feature of the season.

Real defeated Getafe 2-0 at the Bernabéu in their season debut match. Girona drew 0-0 to Valladolid in their first match of the new season.

This should be another match that Real can take 3 points from early on in the season. These are the matches you look back on if you leave points on the table. This will be a good test for Real as they travel for the first time this season.

These two clubs met last season back in March at the Bernabéu. Real would take a commanding 6-3 win over Girona at home.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid will still be without Jesus Vallejo, who is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Odriozola returned to training on Friday from his injury. Girona have a full squad.

There are no suspensions for either side.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

This could looks somewhat like how Real will lineup for Girona on Sunday. Varane, Casemiro, and Modric should be in form now to start again after Nacho and Ceballos took over for them against Getafe.

According to MARCA, Lopetegui will give Courtois his first start since joining the club against Girona. This would give the first look to what he can do in net for Real, and they can compare it to Navas’ start against Getafe. Obviously a big decision still to be made going forward this season.

One big question is who starts opposite of Bale on the left side. Isco has played this role before, but Asensio has had great chemistry with Bale. I would think the scales are tipped a bit in favor of Asensio getting the start over Isco.

Girona

Prediction

Real Madrid-Girona 3-0

As they were against Getafe last weekend, Real Madrid are the favorites against Girona on Sunday. As always, they are not to be taken lightly and the 3 points must be earned if Real want them all.

While Real should be confident going into this match since they defeated Getafe, it’s a whole other challenge to get the win in another club’s stadium.

Bale will be looked towards again to contribute with goals, he scored his first in the Getafe match. He and Asensio have developed quite a bit of chemistry playing together now and they’re expected to contribute to the offense alongside Benzema.

Should Courtois truly get his first start, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in with his new club. It’s quite clear he is a top keeper already, but he has to prove it at yet another big club. He should be more than ready for the task should Lopetegui give him the starting nod.

Real Madrid are expected to take all 3 points and must do so to keep up in the title race this season while the competition is a bit easier. They’ll have to prove they can get the win away from the Bernabéu in just the 2nd match of the new LaLiga season.