Mbappe rescues Real Madrid with a penalty at Girona

Published: 1 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Real Madrid’s march to the top of La Liga stalled once again as Kylian Mbappe’s penalty salvaged a point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Girona. The French striker’s calm finish in the 67th minute ensured that Real avoided defeat, but the draw left them trailing leaders Barcelona by a single point, highlighting the challenges Xabi Alonso’s side face in sustaining momentum.

The game, contested in Girona’s Montilivi Stadium, began under overcast skies, with both teams cautious in the opening exchanges. Real, traditionally dominant in possession, struggled to impose itself in the first half. Defensive discipline from Girona disrupted the visitors’ rhythm, and Real’s end product suffered as a result. For long stretches, the match lacked the incisive attacks fans have come to expect from Spain’s champions, leaving the hosts confident and organised at the back.

The first half offered a glimmer of hope for Real fans when Mbappe appeared to open the scoring. The French striker displayed remarkable control in a crowded penalty area, bundling the ball home despite tight marking. However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was ruled out due to handball, leaving both teams level as they approached halftime. Moments later, Girona capitalised on Real’s inefficiency on the counter-attack. A swift move found Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who struck a first-time effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, giving the hosts a surprising but deserved lead just before the break.

Girona, who are currently third from bottom with only 12 points, demonstrated a tactical discipline that frustrated Real throughout. Their defenders were adept at marking, intercepting passes, and neutralising threats in the final third. The visitors’ lack of sharpness meant Girona could dictate large portions of the first half, leaving Alonso’s men searching for solutions.

The second half began with Real Madrid adjusting their approach. Alonso instructed his players to focus on quicker attacking transitions through the centre, while Vinicius Jr drew defenders wide to exploit spaces on the flanks. The Brazilian winger’s movement created opportunities for combination play, increasing the team’s presence in Girona’s penalty area. Real’s efforts, though initially stifled, began to yield pressure and more promising chances.

Vinicius came close to restoring parity with a composed finish from close range following an intricate passing sequence. The excitement was dampened, however, as the effort was ruled out for offside, prolonging Girona’s lead and testing Real’s resilience. Despite these setbacks, the team remained determined, understanding the importance of salvaging at least a point to maintain pressure on league leaders Barcelona.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Vinicius was brought down in the penalty area by Hugo Rincon, providing Real with a lifeline. Mbappe, cool under pressure, stepped up to take the spot-kick. His low strike, precise and composed, evaded the reach of goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and found the net, bringing the score level and sparking relief among the visiting supporters. The goal marked Mbappe’s 23rd in 19 appearances for Real this season, including four scored in midweek Champions League action against Olympiacos.

Mbappe’s contribution underscored his importance to Real Madrid’s attacking structure. The French striker’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations has been pivotal for Alonso’s side, particularly during periods of inconsistency. Yet, while the penalty rescued a point, Real’s broader struggles in converting chances remain a concern. The team has won just one of its past five games across all competitions, a trend that highlights a need for sustained offensive efficiency and sharper decision-making in the final third.

Girona, despite taking just a point, could draw encouragement from their performance. The home side demonstrated that even teams lower in the table can challenge elite opponents when tactical discipline, positioning, and quick counter-attacks are executed effectively. Ounahi’s first-half goal showcased their potential for clinical finishing, even against top-tier opposition, and illustrated that Real Madrid cannot rely solely on individual brilliance to secure results.

Alonso’s post-match assessment focused on both positives and areas requiring improvement. He praised his side’s determination and the eventual composure shown by Mbappe, while acknowledging that Real must refine their attacking patterns and increase efficiency. The adjustment in formation and focus on central penetration in the second half highlighted Alonso’s tactical flexibility, yet consistency will be key in sustaining a title challenge.

For Real Madrid, the draw means they remain second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by a single point. The title race is finely poised, with every fixture now carrying heightened significance. Alonso’s men must balance domestic ambitions with ongoing European commitments, requiring both squad rotation and strategic acumen. In this context, securing points even from challenging venues such as Girona is critical, providing a platform for future success while maintaining pressure on rivals.

For Kylian Mbappe, the match added another chapter to his remarkable season. His 23rd goal reflects not only his individual talent but also his growing influence within a team seeking consistency in attack. The French striker’s ability to convert crucial opportunities, as demonstrated by his penalty, remains essential for Real’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr and other creative players will need to continue finding rhythm and cohesion to complement Mbappe’s efforts effectively.

The Montilivi encounter also highlighted the fine margins that define football at the highest level. Disallowed goals, narrowly missed offside calls, and tactical adjustments can alter outcomes dramatically. For Real, the lesson is clear: resilience, adaptability, and precision remain central to challenging for both domestic and European honours. As the season progresses, the ability to respond under pressure will differentiate contenders from also-rans, and Real Madrid must demonstrate this in the weeks ahead.

As the referee blew the final whistle, Alonso’s squad accepted a draw that felt both like a reprieve and a reminder. Girona had tested them thoroughly, but Mbappe’s penalty ensured that the gap to the top of the table remained manageable. For fans, the result offered mixed emotions: relief at avoiding defeat, coupled with recognition that Real Madrid must sharpen their approach to remain serious title contenders.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s encounter with Girona was emblematic of the challenges facing even the elite in La Liga. While moments of brilliance, led by Kylian Mbappe, rescued a point, persistent inefficiency and tactical refinement remain pressing priorities. Alonso’s side must now regroup, address lapses in attacking execution, and continue to leverage their star players to reclaim and maintain supremacy in Spain’s top flight.