Real Madrid missed the chance to restore their three-point gap at the top of LaLiga after being held to a 1-1 draw by Girona on Sunday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Real Madrid 1-1 Girona FC
Date: 30 October 2022
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti made two changes from the win over Sevilla last week, as Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga replaced Eder Militao and Aurélien Tchouameni.
The hosts carved out the first chance on 10 minutes when Rodrygo was given time and space on the edge of the box, but his shot was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Rodrygo went even closer ten minutes later with a first-time strike that rattled against the upright, just moments after Valery Fernandez sent a header wide of the goal at the other end.
While Los Blancos enjoyed most of the possession, Girona wnet close to finding the breakthroug eight minutes before the break as Valery did well to square the ball to Yangel Herrera, who fired against the crossbar from close-range.
Girona were the first to make a change in the second half, as Rodrigo Riquelme came on for Yan Couto on 58 minutes while Ancelotti responded by throwing on Marco Asesnio for Camavinga three minutes later.
The opening goal arrived in the 70th minute as Federico Valverde combined with Rodrygo before picking out Vinicius Junior for the close-range finish.
However, Girona were awarded a penalty with 11 minutes left to play after a handball from Asensio in the box, which allowed Cristhian Stuani to level matters from the spot.
Rodrygo had the ball in the back of the net on 88 minutes after bundling the ball home but the celebrations were cut short for the Brazilian's foul on Gazzaniga.
The hosts were reduced to ten on 91 minutes when Toni Kroos was given his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card of the game.
Despite nine minutes of stoppage time added on, Los Blancos were unable to find a late winning goal as they now sit one point above second-placed FC Barcelona.
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