Real Madrid lost additional points in the Spanish title race following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Girona in La Liga on Friday.
Fede Valverde put Alvaro Arbeloa’s team ahead shortly after the second half began, but a remarkable strike from Thomas Lemar earned a point for the Catalan visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This draw against Girona leaves Madrid six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are set to host local rivals Espanyol on Saturday, where a victory could extend their lead to nine points.
Madrid will travel to Bavaria to compete against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, currently trailing 2-1, as their hopes for silverware this season now predominantly rest on this competition.
Los Blancos were frustrated by a late penalty appeal that was not awarded after Girona defender Vitor Reis’ arm made contact with Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe’s face.
“It’s a penalty here and on the moon,” expressed Madrid coach Arbeloa in his complaint. “Nobody comprehends it… when VAR is involved, I suppose it is only when it benefits them, and when it does not, it is disregarded.”
The coach acknowledged that his team was not performing at their best, marking a third consecutive match without a victory across all competitions.
Madrid coach still hopeful after a disappointing game
“Without playing the most brilliant match we’ve played, it’s obvious and clear this is a game we should have won” Arbeloa stated, affirming that Madrid would continue to fight for the title despite their current situation. “
“Until we lose La Liga we’ll keep fighting for it… we have to fight until the last day”, he added further.
After Jude Bellingham made a notable impact as a substitute in the first leg against Bayern, Arbeloa awarded him his first start since January.
Madrid dominated the first half but required goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to make a crucial save from Azzedine Ounahi early in the match.
At the opposite end, Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga stopped attempts from Mbappe and Valverde as Los Blancos began to apply pressure.
Bellingham challenged Gazzaniga early in the second half with a shot from the edge of the box, just before his team took the lead.
