Dominant Real Madrid take two goal advantage to Girona
Sergio Ramos scored two, with one from the penalty spot, as Madrid handsomely beat Girona, who scored twice against the run of play.
Real Madrid vs Girona: match report
Four goals, an improved fluidity, and a few stand-out performers. Santiago Solari will go away from the Santiago Bernabéu tonight pleased with what can only be seen as another positive step forward in his fledgling project. The final day of January will see Real Madrid travel to Girona with one foot already in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, a place they have failed to reach since 2014.
Before getting carried away with the two-goal victory and dominant performance, there are factors to remember. Several first-team players were missing from both sides, and that impacts on the less-resourced squad more, a team with more than one eye on the league game against Barça on Sunday. Also, despite their control, there were times throughout the game when Madrid's backline looked easily breachable, and the better teams that lie ahead cannot be handed such freedom. Even a much-changed Girona showed how it was done with the opening goal.
Just seven minutes into the game and Garcia swung a lovely cross into a gaping hole in the Madrid defence. Lozano gratefully accepted and doubts about the European champions floated to the surface, again. But, although there were occasional threats to Courtois and his backline, they were few and far between across the match.
An exciting Vinicius looked lively throughout. Benzema had a sharpness and air of confidence about him. Ramos got himself involved in the right way. Kroos was back from injury. All these will help Solari sleep well tonight. The two trips to Catalonia next up, Espanyol in the league and then the second leg, could have a significant bearing on how this season pans out. There are already sensations that Madrid are just starting to hit form as the business end begins...
Real Madrid vs Girona: how it happened
Real Madrid vs Girona: match preview
After the surprise 2-0 loss of the holders Barcelona at the hands of Sevilla last night, all eyes now turn towards the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid welcome Girona for the first leg of their quarter-final tie. It's not been an easy season so far for Los Blancos, with many doubts still hanging over the manager Santiago Solari, but signs of further improvement against a very handy Catalan side could ease the pressure on the Chamartin giants.
Real Madrid
"I have to decide on the line-ups, which is a complicated part of my job, and I have to choose the players that best correspond to each game. Every game is a new game and a different game.”
These were the words of Solari ahead of the match as questions surrounded him over whether players of the standing of Marcelo and Isco were part of his plans. The Madrid coach was also keen to point out that the club's motivation for the cup should not be any different to that of other competitions. That said, Los Blancos have only won two of the last 25 domestic cup titles, while Barça have picked up eight, and even lowly Zaragoza have three. Further than that, since lifting the cup in 2014, Madrid have not reached further than the quarter-finals.
Tonight's squad brings with it some much-needed positive news. Toni Kroos and Marcos Llorente look ready to return to the pitch, while Mariano Díaz, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Keylor Navas and Jésus Vallejo are getting close. Karim Benzema, therefore, will not be able to rest, already having played in 31 of the 33 official games this season. The starting XI is likely to see Carvajal rested for Odriozola (who has played every minute of the Copa to date), and Nacho and Valverde will also come in to keep things fresh. The aforementioned Marcelo, who has been absent from the last two league games, will look to get the home fans off their seats in his own special way. Up front, there are not too many options to support the Frenchman, with Lucas and Vinicius most likely. Isco? We'll see.
Girona
For Girona, this tie doesn't come during their hottest moment. Yes, an impressive three goals at the Wanda Metropolitano saw them sneak passed Atlético in this competition on goal diffence. That was, however, followed up loss at Betis. In fact, Eusebio Sacristán hasn't seen his side win for eight games (seven of those in the league where their last victory came at the end of November) and that has seen them drop from fifth to eleventh in the table. Ten points separated them from the relegation zone, and now that is down to just four. Ahead of welcoming LaLiga leaders Barça this weekend (a game that is not taking place in Miami!) the Catalan club will hope to leave the Spanish capital with plenty still to play for in the second leg.
Eusebio has shown plenty of rotation between cup and league line-ups and more is expected tonight. His only 'pure' right-back, Pedro Porro, will be replaced by centre-half, Ramalho, as they begin with five across the line, hoping to push high when space allows.
Despite the changes, Stuani, with 13 goals already this campaign, will lead the line. Madrid have clear weaknesses, and he for one will look to exploit them.