Copa Del Rey
Girona vs Real Madrid Preview
Girona welcome Real Madrid to the Estadi Montilivi where they will attempt to overturn a 4-2 defeat from the first leg of this Copa del Rey tie. Despite impressively eliminating Atletico de Madrid from the competition, the Catalan club are winless in their previous 10 matches.
On the other hand, Los Blancos appear to be on an upward trend. Since falling 2-0 to Real Sociedad at home at the beginning of the month, Santiago Solari’s men have won five of their last six matches. Furthermore, the team benefits from the return of Gareth Bale from injury.
Team News
As a result, the Welshman is likely to start for Thursday’s match. Elsewhere, team captain Sergio Ramos is expected to sit out as a result of a knee injury. Effectively bringing in Nacho Fernandez to partner Rafael Varane in defense. Midfielder Toni Kroos may receive a rest from Solari with the Argentine perhaps not eager to over-work the talented passer so soon after recovering from injury.
The home side are without any significant injury concerns. Borja Garcia suffered a hamstring injury in the reverse fixture but the midfielder has since recovered fully. Likewise, central defender Bernardo Espinosa will be available for manager Eusebio Sacristán with the Colombian’s red card from the side’s weekend match not applicable to cup competition.
Lineups & Prediction
Girona: Bounou; Alcala, Espinosa, Juanpe; Porro, A.Garcia, Pons, Granell, Fernandez; Stuani, Portu
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Ceballos, Llorente, Modric; Isco, Bale, Vinicius Jr.
The two sides have done battle a total of four times in the past. Although three of them ended in defeat for Girona, the hosts managed to score in every match. Sacristan’s men will believe themselves capable of an upset after eliminating the other Madrid giant in the last 16.
Nevertheless, expect Madrid to utilize their two goal cushion to the max. As the whites continue to find their form, expect Vinicius Jr. and Bale to become further acquainted as they book their place in the semi-final. Kick-off is at 3:30pm EST.
Girona 1 – 4 Real Madrid
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