Real Madrid hosts Girona in a pivotal clash at the top of La Liga. The winner will claim the sole spot of first place on the current table, as Girona sits just two points behind Real Madrid. Their previous fixture ended poorly for the Catalan club, as Real entered Estadi Montilivi and took home all 3 points in a 3-0 win. Could revenge be in store for the Cinderellas of La Liga this weekend? Read on to access an expert Real Madrid vs Girona prediction and explore stats and tips for Real Madrid odds.
- Real Madrid FC vs Girona FC, La Liga
- February 10, 2024
- 12:30 PM EST
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- ESPN+
Real Madrid vs Girona Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Real Madrid are the clear favorites to win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as the top club in the country. A (-200) price tag supersedes their name across betting markets, for an implied probability of 66.7% to win. Girona will be looking to pay out backers nicely with a line of (+535). A draw, which visiting Catalan club Girona will gladly accept, is priced at (+390).
LaLiga 
Real Madrid -205 -208 -200 -208 -205 Girona +535 +528 +460 +528 +450 Draw +385 +369 +390 +369 +375
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our online soccer betting tips and learn about La Liga betting odds.
Real Madrid Struggling to Defend Due to Injuries
Real Madrid’s once-lauded backline is now plastered on the headlines for the wrong reasons. Carlos Ancelotti’s club has now conceded 13 goals in the last 8 matches across all competitions, leaving supporters to wonder if the boss made the right choice to forgo signing any defenders during the transfer window. Real has been hit hard with injuries to their defensive unit this season. Éder Militão faced exclusion even before the season commenced, while David Alaba suffered an ACL rupture in December. Additionally, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been sidelined since before the season started due to a knee ligament injury.
Fortunately, central defender Antonio Rüdiger should be available after missing the last game. Also, Aurélien Tchouaméni, a midfielder who has been used as a central defender in the past, will return from suspension. In other good news for Los Blancos, star player and maybe an early Ballon d’Or candidate Vinicius Junior is set to play against Girona after missing out in the Madrid derby. The Brazilian felt shoulder discomfort in the warmups to their match against Atleti. The concern prompted Real to withdraw him from the starting lineup in favor of Brahim Diaz, who conveniently scored the club’s only goal of the match.
Girona Recent Form and Lineup Updates
Girona are beginning to slow down after a historic start to the season, compiling just 2 wins in their last 6 La Liga matches. The club was also knocked out of the Copa del Rey in a shocking defeat to Mallorca.
Girona’s Yangel Herrera received a caution in the final moments of their last match against Real Sociedad, and manager Michel Sanchez was sent to the stands at the 90-minute mark. Following the full-time whistle, veteran defender Daley Blind was cautioned for disputing with match referee Jesus Gil Manzano. As a result, both Blind and Herrera received their fifth league yellow cards of the season, leading to a one-game suspension for each. Additionally, Michel is set to serve a two-match touchline suspension. Consequently, all three will be unavailable for the upcoming match against Real Madrid.
Girona is also anxiously awaiting the fitness update on Artem Dovbyk, La Liga's leading goal scorer, who was absent from the Real Sociedad match due to a knee injury. According to Diario AS, there is optimism within the Girona camp regarding Dovbyk's condition, considering him only as 'a doubt' for the upcoming clash. His potential return could prove pivotal, introducing a distinct and more physical dimension that might pose challenges for a struggling Real Madrid defense.
Real Madrid vs Girona Prediction and Free Betting Pick
In this match, I am choosing not to pick a side and instead target the over at 3 total goals. Despite the slight juice, It's a price worth playing. In today’s game, matches now feature extended stoppage times. In two out of the last three Real Madrid matches, play extended beyond the 100-minute threshold. Desperation inevitably influences high-profile encounters such as this one. When a team is trailing in the later stages, the game tends to unfold, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. I would be surprised to see this match ending without at least 3 goals on the scoreboard, and expect to see 4 or more.
While Both Teams to Score - Yes is an appealing wager, the unavailability of key players and their manager for Girona yield concerns. Additionally, Real Madrid are keen to make themselves known as the best team in Spain this season and will not hold back at home. A blowout may be in the cards if Girona cannot piece together the right lineup with Michel and others unable to contribute. Take over 3 goals at (-138) for just a half unit, in case Girona opens the match with a more conservative gameplan.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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