Mbappé Rescues Madrid in Dramatic Girona Stalemate
Key Takeaways
- Kylian Mbappé's penalty salvaged a crucial 1-1 draw for Madrid
- Azzedine Ounahi stunned with spectacular first-half strike for Girona
- Second-placed Madrid dropped points against relegation-battling hosts at Montilivi
- Los Blancos dominated possession but struggled to break down stubborn defense
Kylian Mbappé stepped up when Real Madrid needed him most, converting a crucial 67th-minute penalty to rescue second-placed Los Blancos from what would have been a shocking defeat against relegation-threatened Girona in a pulsating 1-1 draw at Estadi Montilivi. The French superstar's ice-cool spot-kick into the bottom left corner salvaged a vital point for Carlo Ancelotti's side against 18th-placed hosts who had dared to dream of a famous victory.
The match exploded into life on the stroke of half-time when Azzedine Ounahi produced a moment of pure magic to stun the visitors. Viktor Tsygankov's perfectly weighted assist found the Moroccan midfielder in the centre of the box, and Ounahi unleashed a thunderous right-footed drive that arrowed into the top right corner, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless and sending the home crowd into raptures. The goal capped a spirited first-half display from Girona, who had matched their illustrious opponents stride for stride.
Madrid's response came through relentless pressure in the second period, with Vinícius Júnior tormenting the Girona defense down the left flank while Jude Bellingham orchestrated attacks from midfield. The breakthrough arrived when Hugo Rincón's rash challenge on Vinícius inside the penalty area handed Madrid a lifeline, which Mbappé dispatched with trademark composure despite the hostile atmosphere.
Despite controlling 59.6% of possession and registering 25 shots to Girona's 10, Madrid found Paulo Gazzaniga in inspired form between the posts. The Argentine goalkeeper produced a crucial 84th-minute save to deny Joel Roca's curling effort, while also frustrating Vinícius with a smart stop in the 78th minute. Madrid's profligacy in front of goal proved costly, with both Mbappé and Vinícius spurning golden opportunities in a frantic final 10 minutes.
The turning point arrived with Rincón's penalty concession in the 65th minute, as the young defender's mistimed tackle on the marauding Vinícius shifted momentum decisively toward the visitors. However, Girona's defensive resilience, marshaled superbly by Axel Witsel and Vitor Reis, ensured they held firm under sustained pressure to claim a precious point in their battle against relegation.
Real Madrid will look to bounce back when they host Athletic Club on December 3rd, knowing they cannot afford further dropped points in their title pursuit. Meanwhile, Girona's spirited performance will give them confidence as they continue their fight to climb away from the relegation zone.