Three Big Questions for Real Madrid Ahead of a Crucial Trip to Girona

Three Big Questions for Real Madrid Ahead of a Crucial Trip to Girona

Real Madrid’s away tour rolls into Girona on Sunday night another potentially decisive chapter in a LaLiga title race that has tightened dramatically over the past few weeks. The stakes could not be clearer: Barcelona’s victory over Alaves temporarily knocked Los Blancos off the top of the table, turning this trip to Estadi Montilivi into a must-win assignment.

Madrid have already stumbled twice in a row in the league, and any further slip-up would not only keep them behind Barcelona but undo the cushion they earned earlier in the season especially after their El Clasico triumph. With pressure rising and Girona enjoying a strong campaign of their own, Xabi Alonso finds himself navigating a tricky moment.

Here are the three key talking points ahead of Girona vs Real Madrid.

1. No Room to Falter

This past month has been Madrid’s most turbulent stretch of the season. From their collapse at Anfield to a flat, goalless draw at Valladolid, the momentum that once separated them from the chasing pack has evaporated quickly.

Returning from the international break did little to stabilise the situation. A chaotic 2-2 draw at Elche highlighted both lingering defensive vulnerabilities and a worrying lack of control in midfield.

Two straight league matches without victory have allowed Barcelona to claw their way right back into contention. With the Catalans already having secured three points this weekend, the pressure swings fully onto Madrid—they simply have to respond.

A win at Montilivi is not optional. It is essential.

2. Defence Finally Getting Reinforcements

Real Madrid’s recent troubles have been worsened by a defensive injury crisis that pushed Xabi Alonso into patchwork solutions. Against Elche, Dean Huijsen was the only senior centre-back available. David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and even Raul Asencio were all sidelined, leaving the back line badly exposed.

But heading into Girona, there is finally some relief.

Both Rudiger and Militao have been cleared to return to the squad, providing a massive boost. Militao, who has already built up some rhythm, is the likelier of the two to start. Rudiger, after months out, may be eased in more carefully. Asencio, however, remains a doubt due to gastroenteritis, potentially limiting Alonso’s choices once more.

How the coach chooses to rebuild his defence—especially against Girona’s aggressive, vertical play—will be a defining factor.

3. The Midfield Puzzle Remains Unscrambled

If Alonso has options anywhere, it’s in midfield—yet that has only made the puzzle harder to solve.

The original plan was straightforward: Jude Bellingham in central midfield, Arda Guler as the advanced playmaker. But Bellingham’s shoulder surgery opened the door for Guler to shine in the No.10 role, and he did just that.

Since Bellingham’s return, however, the dynamics have shifted. The Englishman is at his best operating just behind the striker, forcing Guler into less influential roles. And the newest tactical variation—used successfully against Olympiacos—pushes Bellingham behind the Mbappe-Vinicius duo, further complicating the picture.

The ripple effect is significant:

• Guler moves farther from his natural position
• Eduardo Camavinga risks being dropped
• The team’s pressing intensity is weakened
• Fluidity in the build-up becomes less predictable

Alonso must now experiment again, searching for a combination that keeps Bellingham at his best without sacrificing the balance and energy that Guler and Camavinga bring.

With the season’s business end approaching, Madrid urgently need clarity in midfield.

Real Madrid arrive in Girona with pressure from above and problems within but also with the quality to reclaim control of the title race. Sunday night will reveal whether this team can steady itself or whether the wobble continues.