Carlo Ancelotti's side made easy work of last year's title contenders, even if the manager now has further knocks to worry about
Real Madrid got back to winning ways as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler provided the goals in a comfortable 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga on Saturday. A difficult first half gave way to an easy second, Bellingham bossing proceedings for an hour while Mbappe looked much improved ahead of a decisive Champions League match against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Los Blancos were on the back foot early on, with Girona enjoying a handful of chances, but the home side never capitalised and were made to pay. Bellingham provided the moment for Madrid, bashing one into the back of the net from the top of the box through a crowd of Girona legs.
The Englishman was crucial to the second, too, pivoting and feeding Arda Guler, who finished across the goalkeeper after darting in behind. Mbappe scored the third, slipping his man, taking a touch, and finding the bottom corner with a driven effort from a tight angle.
Madrid controlled the game thereafter, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. There are some injury worries as Bellingham was taken off on the hour mark after grabbing his thigh, and Ferland Mendy also required medical assistance. Still, this win was about as comfortable as they come after a prolonged difficult period for the reigning champions.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Montilivi…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Called into action a few times in the early goings, and dealt with the pressure effectively. Will be relieved to register a clean sheet.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Struggled to deal with Bryan Gil at times. His work rate can never be faulted, but the defensive quality simply isn't there.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
A surprise start, especially given his patchy form of late. Didn't do much to silence his critics, either, with a shaky showing.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
So, so comfortable throughout. Won his headers, kept the ball moving, and enjoyed a few forward runs.
Ferland Mendy (7/10):
Went about his defensive duties with aplomb, and didn't really take any risks on the ball. His knock is a concern, though.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Ran loads, kept it tidy. No apparent impact from his mistake midweek.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Worked his socks off, bashed home Madrid's first goal. Has scored in five straight games. Produced a lovely assist for the second. Removed after an hour with an apparent leg injury. Will hope it's nothing serious.
Luka Modric (8/10):
Had some shaky moments early on, but rather turned it on in the second half. He was involved in the second goal and assisted the third with a lovely through ball.
Arda Guler (7/10):
Scored a wonderful second and danced around throughout. He looks a real talent.
Getty Images SportAttack
Kylian Mbappe (7/10):
Busy in the first half, and had a couple of half chances. Found the back of the net to seal the decisive third.
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Another game in which he did a lot of interesting things, but didn't have a real material impact.
AFPSubs & Manager
Dani Ceballos (5/10):
Replaced Bellingham, immediately almost conceded with a silly giveaway.
Endrick (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Fran Garcia (N/A):
A late replacement for the injured Medy.
Raul Asencio (N/A):
Puzzling that he didn't start.
Daniel Yanez (N/A):
A debut for the youngster
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Made a big call with Tchouameni at centre-back, and had Mbappe play in a more central position. At first, it looked like poor management. But Los Blancos' attacking quality shone through. He won't be happy with the mounting injury list, though.