Real Madrid - Granada summary: score, goals and highlights | LaLiga 2023/24
Real Madrid vs Granada: as it happened
Peeep peeep peeep!
Girona were top of the table for just a matter of hours. It's been an extremely comfortable evening for Real Madrid, who return to the summit of LaLiga, leapfrogging the Catalans on goal difference.
Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, who sit third and fourth, respectively, play tomorrow. So Madrid have the added bonus this weekend of seeing one or both of their likeliest title rivals drop points this weekend.
That's now 15 wins on the trot in games against Granada, and 12 in a row in meetings at the Bernabéu.
As for the Andalusians, their winless run grows to 12 games, and they remain mired in the relegation zone.
If bottom team Almería beat Real Betis tomorrow, Gaizka Garitano's men will move to within a point of Granada. That is, though, a big if: Almería are, after all, yet to win in the league this season.
Thanks for reading! Bye!
Again Paz tries his luck from just outside the box, but again he thuds his shot comfortably off target.
Vázquez crosses from the right, but sends his delivery straight down Ferreira's gullet.
Paz, who opened his scoring account for Madrid in midweek, controls and shoots on the turn. However, his strike from the top of the box flies well off target.
Three minutes of time added on.
Real Madrid pop it about in their own half for a good little while. This game is simply waiting for the final whistle.
Another change for the hosts, who withdraw Brahim Díaz and throw on another young youth product, Nico Paz.
There's healthy applause for Brahim, too; well deserved.
Real Madrid replace Rodrygo, who comes off to warm applause from the home fans, and bring on 19-year-old Gonzalo García.
This is Gonzalo's second run-out for the first team; he was given his debut against Cádiz last weekend.
Granada bring Carreras on for Zaragoza, and also replace Boyé with Puertas.
Zaragoza is down and clutching his calf. It's not clear whether it's an actual injury, or just cramp.
He's going to come off.
Rodrygo kisses the Real Madrid badge after scoring his seventh goal in his last five games for the club.
Photo: EFE/ Sergio Pérez)
Granada's Gumbau is booked after bringing down Vázquez.
The Bernabéu fans, who clearly feel Gumbau should have gone into Pablo González Fuerte's notebook earlier, cheer sarcastically.
Granada come forward on a rare attack. From the left, Zaragoza lifts the ball into the box towards Boyé, but it's too high for the forward and Madrid deal with it.
Again Bellingham is involved in the creation, dinking a ball into Valverde's run into the penalty box.
The Uruguayan takes one touch to control, and with his second prods a volley towards goal - but Ferreira saves! It's a fine reaction stop from the Granada goalkeeper.
Bellingham lifts a ball from left to right to Rodrygo, who cushions the ball down for the onrushing Vázquez.
Vázquez strikes Rodrygo's lay-off first time, but drags it wide of Ferreira's far post. A nicely-worked move; shame about the shot, though.
Real Madrid bring Joselu off for Dani Ceballos.
Gumbau threads a through ball into the run of Boyé, who is suddenly in behind the defence and scampering into the box. Rüdiger does excellently to prevent Boyé from getting a shot away, and the flag finally goes up against the Granada forward. He was offside when Gumbau played the pass.
Brahim does ever so well to win the ball back in his own half, before playing it out to the left to Joselu. With several men in white shirts bursting forward to join in the counter, Joselu wafts a ball inside that is wayward, and the chance is lost.
Rodrygo's first five-in-a-row
Per Mister Chip, this is the first time in Rodrygo's Real Madrid career that he has scored in five straight games for Los Merengues.
Granada make a double change, replacing Manafá and Uzuni with Petrovic and Weissman.
Bellingham plays it left to Joselu and hares into the Granada box in search of a return. Joselu dallies on the ball, though, and eventually Mendy is flagged offside.
Real Madrid are in complete control.
Immediately after that second goal, Madrid once more set about setting up camp in the Granada half. When the visitors regain possession, they give it right back to Los Blancos.
Goal! Real Madrid 2-0 Granada - Rodrygo doubles the hosts' lead!
Rodrygo is on a real roll in front of goal - that's now five straight games he's scored in.
It's a nicely worked goal. Joselu drops deep to turn the ball into the box for Brahim to run on to. He, in turn, squares it to Bellingham, who is in acres of space on the penalty spot.
Unbelievably, Bellingham's shot is saved - but Rodrygo is there to sweep the loose ball into the net!
Valverde pings a ball out to the left to Rodrygo, who produces his characteristic instant control. Advancing towards the Granada box, the Brazilian feeds it inside to Mendy, who has come forward in support. The Frenchman doesn't have much room for manoeuvre, though, and is muscled off the ball.
For what feels like the first time in the second 45, Granada get their foot on the ball and stroke it about for a sustained period, albeit in their own half.
However, Gumbau then thumps a long ball out to the right towards Sánchez's run forward, and doesn't find his man. Madrid ball once more.
It has been all Madrid ball in the Granada half since the restart.
Vázquez clips a ball into the box and, on the edge of the area, Bellingham flops to the turf under Miquel's challenge. No free-kick.
Bellingham clips the ball into the box from the right, and when it bounces off two Granada defenders he appeals timidly for a penalty for handball. He doesn't get one.
A moment later, Brahim cuts in from the right and curls a left-footed shot towards Ferreira's far top corner, but sends his effort a good yard or two wide.
Peeeep! We're back underway.
As I mentioned a moment ago, Vázquez is indeed on for Carvajal. No half-time changes for Granada.
Madrid preparing HT change
The Real Madrid players are making their way back out onto the Bernabéu pitch, and on the sidelines Lucas Vázquez is preparing to come on. He'll replace Dani Carvajal at right-back, it appears.
Brahim Díaz (second left) steers the ball past Granada goalkeeper André Ferreira (centre) to open the scoring at the Bernabéu.
(Photo: EFE/Mariscal)
Euro 2024 draw: Spain, Italy and Croatia in box-office group
Over in Hamburg, in case you missed it, the Euro 2024 draw has now been conducted.
The headline news is that Spain, Croatia, Italy and Albania have been drawn into the 'group of death'. The Netherlands and France have also been paired together.
(Photo: Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Peeep peeep peeep!
Pablo González Fuertes blows for half time - and the home team are not happy about that, as they had just won a corner.
The Bernabéu crowd also give the referee a super-sized piece of their mind as he leaves the field with his assistants.
Granada work it left to Zaragoza, who has a rare chance to run at the Real Madrid defence. He carries it from the flank and into the area, but as he looks to wriggle his way into space to shoot or play a pass, he's dispossessed by Kroos.
We're into five minutes of time added on at the Bernabéu. That's mainly because of Granada's early change of goalkeeper.
Madrid want a penalty when Miquel appears to bring Bellingham down. Pablo González Fuertes says no... and so does VAR. Miquel appears to get ball first and man second, and is given the benefit of the doubt by the officials.
Brahim banging 'em in
Spanish stats guru Mister Chip notes that Brahim has now scored in three of his four starts for Real Madrid this season.
Close! Bellingham very nearly scores Madrid's second.
It's sublime stuff from Brahim, who flicks Mendy's pass into Bellingham's path, releasing the Englishman into the Granada box.
From an acute angle, Bellingham sends his shot past Ferreira, but past the far post, too.
Rüdiger lifts it high to Joselu, who brings it down on the edge of the Granada area and tries to touch it inside into the run of Rodrygo, who is ready to burst into the box. It's a nice idea, but Joselu's ball is cut out.
Valverde wins a free-kick off Ruiz, and Kroos has the opportunity to whip a ball into the Granada box.
It's not the German's best delivery, though, and it flies behind for a goal-kick.
Just as I write that, Gumbau feeds it to Zaragoza, who has the chance to carry the ball forward on the left. He checks back and plays it to Neva, who is well dispossessed by Brahim.
Before the Madrid goal, Granada had managed to put together the odd speedy counter-attack here or there. Since Brahim gave the hosts the lead, that threat has been fairly non-existent.
Carvajal touches the ball inside to Bellingham, whose first touch is heavy. He stretches to keep possession, but González Fuertes deems that he catches Gumbau in the process.
Free-kick to Granada, and Bellingham shakes his head at the referee's decision. The pair haven't got on like a house on fire so far, it's fair to say.
Right away, Madrid come forward in search of a second, pinning Granada back.
From the right-hand channel, Brahim lifts the ball into the area to Joselu, who has peeled off into space at the back post. Joselu volleys it first-time towards goal, but his shot is blocked - and he was offside, anyway.
Goal! Real Madrid 1-0 Granada - Brahim opens the scoring!
It's Madrid's first real opening, and they take full advantage! From 10 yards outside of the box, Toni Kroos strokes a lovely little ball into the run of Brahim Díaz.
Brahim takes one touch to set himself, and another to poke the ball past the onrushing Ferreira.
The pass from Kroos really was a thing of beauty.
Two Real Madrid players go into Pablo González Fuertes' book.
First, Bellingham is cautioned for giving the referee a little bit too much lip; moments later, Rüdiger also sees yellow, for sarcastically applauding González Fuertes.
It all stemmed from a Ricard Sánchez challenge on Bellingham, which the latter felt was illegal. I didn't, personally.
Kroos dinks a ball into the box for Brahim to chase, but the Madrid forward is crowded out and Granada clear.
At one end, Granada's Gumbau whips a beautifully-flighted free-kick into the box, but nobody in a red and white shirt can connect with it. It flashes past Lunin's post and out.
At the other end, Neva does well to nip in in front of Bellingham as the Englishman prepares to get his head on a left-wing ball into the box. In the process of making the clearance, Neva collides with Ferreira as the keeper comes out of his goal.
He's down and in a bit of pain for a few moments, but he's soon back on his feet.
Madrid's long winning streak against Granada
According to stats specialists Opta, Real Madrid's 14-game LaLiga winning run against Granada is their second-longest against Spanish top-flight opposition. Only Rayo Vallecano, who lost 17 on the spin against Madrid between 2000 and 2018, have suffered more consecutive defeats against Los Blancos.
Madrid create their first moment of genuine danger. Brahim and Bellingham combine on the edge of the area, before the latter slips it left to Valverde in space to cross.
Valverde drills the ball across the face of the Granada goal, but it's just ahead of the white shirts waiting in the middle.
Kroos gets in a muddle in the midfield and, suddenly, Boyé has the ball and is haring at a back-pedalling Real Madrid defence. However, Valverde does well to win the back and snuff out the danger.
Understandably, given we're just minutes in, Granada are unprepared for Fernández's injury and it takes a while for his replacement, André Ferreira, to be readied.
After a good two, three-minute wait, Ferreira is on for Fernández.
Uh-oh, we have an early injury at the Bernabéu.
Granada goalkeeper Raúl Fernández has dropped to the turf and can't go on. He's hurt his back, it appears.
I told you earlier that it looked like Granada were going to play with five at the back, but the visitors appear to have gone with four at the back in a 4-4-2 formation, in fact.
Real Madrid win an early right-wing corner, which Kroos plays short to Rodrygo. The Brazilian tries to clip an outswinging ball into the danger area, but his attempted delivery is blocked.
That's bright early play by Granada. Bryan Zaragoza scampers forward in the left-hand channel, before slipping a low ball into Lucas Boye's run towards the byline.
Boyé wastes no time in cutting the ball back to the penalty spot, but he can't find anyone in a red and white shirt.
Peeeep! We're underway.
Teams out at the Bernabéu!
Out come the teams, to the habitual backing of Real Madrid's 'La Décima' anthem.
Before kick-off, we'll have a minute's silence as a mark of respect for former Madrid director Luis Blasco and the Spanish actress Concha Velasco, who have both passed away.
Jude Bellingham warms up at the Bernabéu, flanked by Brahim Díaz (left) and Toni Kroos (right)
(Photo: OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)
Almost time to go at the Bernabéu!
The teams are about to come out at the Bernabéu! We are moments away from kick-off.
A reminder of the teams:
Real Madrid
Lunin, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy, Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham, Brahim, Rodrygo, Joselu.
Granada
Fernández, Manafá, Ricard Sánchez, Miquel, Torrente, Neva, Gumbau, Ruiz, Zaragoza, Boyé, Uzuni.
Real Madrid's Toni Kroos warms up at the Bernabéu ahead of kick-off against Granada.
Who is the referee for Real Madrid vs Granada?
Today's match referee will be Pablo González Fuertes, while Juan Martínez Munuera will be the video assistant referee (VAR).
Warm-ups underway at the Bernabéu!
The Real Madrid and Granada players are out and limbering up ahead of kick-off - and you can watch the warm-ups on LaLiga's YouTube channel.
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If you're still wondering how you can watch Real Madrid vs Granada, by the way, let me point you in the direction of our guide on your TV and streaming options.
Kick-off time closing in at Bernabéu
We're half an hour away from kick-off in Madrid.
In addition to having won their last 11 home games against Granada, Real Madrid have won 14 in a row against the visitors if you include matches played at the Andalusians' home ground, the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes.
Madrid last lost to Granada in February 2013, when an own goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, of all people, gave Los Nazaríes a 1-0 win at Los Cármenes.
By the way, we also have live coverage of the draw for Euro 2024, which is about to get underway in Hamburg.
What the coaches said: Ancelotti
Jude comparisons:
“I never saw Di Stéfano play. In my previous press conference, I drew comparisons with Zidane and, well, I’d say he’s surprised me… like the first time I saw Kaká. I’m not saying Bellingham’s the same kind of player as Kaká, but they certainly have qualities in common."
Enjoying best period as Real coach?
“I don’t know… what I do know is that this has been a positive period. I feel really supported by everyone, but you can’t start resting on your laurels, because there will always be tough times and we have to be ready for that.”
Kepa:
“He’s available, he’s fit to play. But [on Saturday] we’ll keep [Andriy] Lunin in goal and [Kepa] will have the week to think about [next Saturday’s LaLiga clash with] Betis.”
Rodrygo in Real form
It's Mr Bellingham who's hogging the headlines, but Rodrygo Goes is in a really nice patch of form.
The Brazilian has scored in each of his last four games for Madrid, netting a total of six in that period.
Madrid check in at the Bernabéu
Here, courtesy of Real Madrid's social media team, is the squad's arrival at the Bernabéu a short while ago.
Zaragoza back for Granada
For Granada, the major team news is that Bryan Zaragoza, a player whose form this season has earned him his Spain debut, returns from suspension for the visitors.
It rather looks like Medina has gone with five at the back today.
Granada team news
Medina's first Granada XI is in: Fernández, Manafá, Ricard Sánchez, Miquel, Torrente, Neva, Gumbau, Ruiz, Zaragoza, Boyé, Uzuni.
Granada boss has Bernabéu goal in CV
This is Medina's first coaching job in Spanish football, but the Uruguayan has experience of LaLiga from his playing days.
Indeed, he once netted for Cádiz at the Bernabéu - albeit in defeat. In January 2006, he opened the scoring in a game that Real Madrid ending up winning 3-1, courtesy of goals by Roberto Carlos, David Beckham and Robinho.
What the coaches said: Granada's Medina
"Nigh-on perfect performance" needed
“We know how good they are - they’re blessed with talent and experience - but we also have the chance to show what we’re made of. The only way to approach a game against a team like Real Madrid is to stick together and try to put in a nigh-on perfect performance.”
First week in the job:
“It’s been great. We’ve had a really good week’s work, doubling down on the fundamental things that we want them to put into practice out on the pitch. The lads were really receptive to our ideas. They look motivated and raring to go.”
Granada's grim Bernabéu record
A visit to the Bernabéu, it's fair to say, isn't what the doctor ordered for Granada. Los Nazaríes haven't won away to Real Madrid for just shy of half a century.
Granada's last victory at Madrid came in January 1974.
Since then, they have lost on 11 straight visits to the Spanish capital.
Granada toiling in the drop zone
While Madrid are enjoying a decent unbeaten run, visitors Granada are winless in 11 league games and sacked their head coach, Paco López, after last weekend's defeat to Alavés.
López has been replaced by Alexander Medina, who is tasked with lifting the Andalusians from 19th place in LaLiga, three points from safety.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 11 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| 17 | 10 | 14 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
| 18 | 8 | 14 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| 19 | 7 | 14 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
| 20 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 11 |
Joselu in for Madrid, Ceballos drops to bench
Carlo Ancelotti makes just the one change to the team that started the win over Napoli, with midfielder Dani Ceballos making way for striker Joselu. As promised, Bellingham is fit to start.
A reminder that Madrid have the following, long list of players out injured: Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler and Luka Modric.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid's starting line-up is in: Lunin, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy, Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham, Brahim, Rodrygo, Joselu.
More from Paz today after first Madrid goal?
Wednesday's win over Napoli also witnessed a first Real Madrid goal for 19-year-old youth product Nico Paz, son of former Argentina international Pablo Paz.
Paz is again in Madrid's matchday squad today.
My colleagues Andy Hall and Calum Roche have put together a profile of the teenager.
UCL group winners on growing unbeaten run
After beating Napoli on Wednesday, Real Madrid head into today's clash at the Bernabéu on a 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Madrid's midweek win over the Partenopei, which saw Jude Bellingham score his 15th goal in 16 appearances for the club, made sure that Los Merengues will go through to the Champions League last 16 as group winners.
The 14-time European champions will be contesting Champions League knockout football for the 27th (TWENTY-SEVENTH) straight season.
(Photo: REUTERS/Juan Medina)
Can Real reclaim top spot?
Real Madrid came into matchday 15 top of the table, having leapfrogged Girona on goal difference thanks to the high-flying Catalans' draw with Athletic Club on Monday.
However, Girona have now moved provisionally back to the summit by beating Valencia 2-1 today.
Cristhian Stuani's late double at Montilivi secured a come-from-behind win for Míchel's men, who have won a scarcely credible 12 out of 15 league games this term. That includes seven victories in their last eight.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38 | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | 35 | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 31 | 13 | 10 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | 31 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| 5 | 28 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
Bellingham set to play despite ankle issue
Real Madrid have plenty of injury worries as it is, but their man of the moment, Jude Bellingham, will be able to start today.
Having turned his ankle in the midweek win over Napoli, the Englishman was unable to train yesterday, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters: "He’s fine. He has a minor knock and we preferred to not to risk aggravating it, but he’ll be OK tomorrow and is going to play.”
(Photo: Javier Lizón/EFE)
Real Madrid vs Granada: welcome!
Hello! Welcome to our live-text coverage of today's LaLiga clash at the Bernabéu, where Real Madrid will look to snatch back top spot when they host a Granada side who are in all sorts of bother down the bottom of the table.
Kick-off in the Spanish capital is at 12:30pm ET/9:30am PT.