REAL MADRID 4-0 GIRONA - JUDE BELLINGHAM AT THE DOUBLE AS LOS BLANCOS MAKE STATEMENT WITH FOUR-GOAL WIN

Jude Bellingham scored twice before being substituted as Real Madrid ran out 4-0 winners against title rivals Girona FC.

Just two points separated the sides at the top of La Liga coming into the game but there was a gulf in class at the Bernabéu.

It took just six minutes for Madrid to stamp their authority on the match when Vinicius Junior sent a wonderful strike into the visitor’s net.

Vinicius spearheaded the Madrid attack and played through Bellingham to beat the goalkeeper as the hosts took a commanding two-goal lead with just 36 minutes on the clock.

Outside title hopefuls Girona saw any hope of a second-half fightback ended with Bellingham’s second after Vinicius again opened up the visitor’s defence.

However, Bellingham’s second goal was his final contribution as a rolled ankle forced his substitution.

In his absence Madrid continued their onslaught as Vinicius won the ball before feeding Rodrygo for a fourth goal.

It could have been five at the death, but Joselu saw his penalty cannon off the post.

TALKING POINT – REAL MADRID TAKE CONTROL OF LA LIGA TITLE RACE

Real Madrid stamped their authority on the La Liga title race and went five points clear at the summit with a breathtaking display against Girona.

Catalan visitors Girona FC arrived in the Bernabéu full of confidence and secretly hoping that a title challenge could be on the cards.

However, they came up against a Madrid side whose star names were on top form as Jude Bellingham struck twice.

With Real now five points clear and 11 above Barcelona – who have a match in hand – the title is firmly in their hands.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – VINICIUS JUNIOR

While Jude Bellingham will take the headlines it was the performance of Vinicius Junior who put Real Madrid into the driving seat.

The Brazilian set the tone with an impressive strike after just six minutes of play which stunned Girona.

Vinicius then threaded a perfect ball for Jude Bellingham to double Madrid’s lead and played a major part in his side’s third goal.

Seizing on the vulnerability of Yan Couto the winger played through Rodrygo to complete the home side’s 4-0 win.

PLAYER RATINGS

Real Madrid: Lunin 7, Vazquez 7, Carvajal 8, Tchouameni 8, Mendy 7, Valverde 7, Kroos 7, Camavinga 7, Bellingham 9, Rodrygo 8, Junior 9

Subs: Arrizabalaga NA, Pineiro NA, Modric 7, Joselu 8, Ceballos, F Garcia 7, Diaz 7, Guler 7, Ramon NA

Girona: Gazzaniga 6, Couto 5, Garcia 6, Juanpe 7, Guiterrez 7, Portu 6, E Garcia 6, Martin 6, Tsygankov 6, Dovbyk 6, Savio 6

Subs: Carlos 6, Fuidias NA, Martinez NA, Stuani 6, B Garcia NA, Fernandez 6, Torre 6, Solis 6, Yaakobishvili NA, Artero NA

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

6’ - GOAL! - REAL MADRID 1-0 GIRONA FC (Vinícius Júnior): Junior isn’t closed down outside the box and sends a curling effort which flies into the top corner

35’ – GOAL! - Real Madrid 2 Girona FC 0 (Jude Bellingham): Jude Bellingham beats the off-side trap and runs onto a Junior through ball. The forward takes a touch around the charging goalkeeper and then fires into an empty net.

54’ – GOAL! - Real Madrid 3 Girona FC 0 (Jude Bellingham): The same combination as the second goal as Junior beats his marker out wide and charges into the box. His effort is parried by the goalkeeper into the path of Bellingham.

61’ – GOAL! - Real Madrid 4 Girona FC 0 (Rodrygo): Couto gets the ball stolen off his foot by Junior resulting in Rodrygo charging in on goal before firing past the goalkeeper.

90+1’ PENALTY MISS - Joselu has the goalkeeper beaten from the penalty spot but sees his effort canon off the post. Arda Guler is brought down inside the box by Yan Couto for a clear penalty.