On 10/4, at the Bernabeu, Real dominated possession with 61% and registered 22 shots, 9 on target, compared to Girona's 10 shots and two on target. Despite their control, they failed to secure a victory.

The home side applied intense pressure in the first half. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde created multiple scoring opportunities within the box, yet all were squandered. This inefficiency in front of goal extended Real's first-half scoring drought to four consecutive matches across all competitions, their longest such streak since September 2024, when they went six matches without a first-half goal.

Federico Valverde celebrates the opening goal during Real's 1-1 draw with Girona in La Liga's 31st round at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain on 10/4/2026. *Photo: AFP*

The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute when Federico Valverde unleashed a powerful, low shot from over 20 meters. Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga appeared to misjudge its trajectory, watching helplessly as the ball found the net. This marked Valverde's seventh goal across all competitions since 1/3, making him the highest scorer in the top five European leagues during that period.

However, the Bernabeu faithful's joy was short-lived. In the 62nd minute, Girona responded with a moment of similar brilliance. Thomas Lemar skillfully dribbled to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Andriy Lunin no chance despite a full-stretch dive.

The remainder of the match saw Real push high, creating a one-sided attack against their opponents. Yet, their forwards in white continued to lack a clinical finish, with numerous chances going begging. A contentious moment arose in the 89th minute when Vitor Reis elbowed Mbappe in the face. The French forward fell in the box, bleeding significantly, but the referee waved away appeals for a foul.

The incident where Vitor Reis elbowed Kylian Mbappe in the face, causing him to bleed. *Photo: Marca*

After the match, coach Alvaro Arbeloa expressed his frustration, criticizing both the referee and VAR. "That was a penalty, whether here or on the Moon, it's the same", he stated. "This isn't the first time. It happens too often, and nobody understands why. VAR intervenes when it wants to, but remains silent when it doesn't".

Real's winless streak across all competitions now stands at three matches, including a 1-2 loss to Mallorca, the 1-1 draw with Girona in La Liga, and a 1-2 defeat to Bayern in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. This draw also leaves Real vulnerable to Barcelona extending their lead to 9 points, with only seven rounds left in La Liga.

However, Arbeloa insisted the title race is far from over. "It only ends when there are no mathematical possibilities left", he emphasized. "Until then, the entire squad will fight to the very end. This is Real, and we must battle until the final day".

Hong Duy