BARCELONA, Spain: Jude Bellingham scored one goal and set up another as Real Madrid dealt Girona their first defeat of the season to move ahead of the hosts at the top of the Spanish league on Saturday.
Bellingham fueled Madrid’s 3-0 victory on the road after passing for Joselu Mato’s 17th-minute opener. He then rounded off the scoring with his league-leading sixth goal in eight games after Aurélien Tchouaméni doubled the advantage.
Madrid climbed over Girona and Barcelona to the top of the standings. Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid now lead Barcelona by one point and Girona by two.
Girona, which are partly owned Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership, had entered the round leading the league after winning six straight games for the first time in club history.
Madrid lost defender Nacho Fernández in injury time when he saw a direct red for a studs-first tackle on Girona’s Cristian “Portu” Portugués. Portu had to be carried off on a stretcher. The foul led to a brief confrontation between players.
Bellingham impresses again as Real Madrid deal Girona their 1st defeat of season to go top of league
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Bellingham impresses again as Real Madrid deal Girona their 1st defeat of season to go top of league
- Bellingham fueled Madrid’s 3-0 victory on the road after passing for Joselu Mato’s 17th-minute opener
- Madrid climbed over Girona and Barcelona to the top of the standings
Athletic Bilbao will aim to upset Barcelona in Super Cup semi-final, says Valverde
JEDDAH: Athletic Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde has played down his side’s chances of winning the Spanish Super Cup, but insisted his team will give everything to overcome Barcelona in Wednesday’s semi-final in Jeddah.
“We are not the favorites to win the Super Cup but we will strive hard to beat Barcelona,” Valverde told reporters.
“Barcelona is a great team with a rich history, but Athletic Bilbao is capable of competing, and we will strive to win in order to boost confidence.”
Valverde added that his squad would be physically prepared for the contest, highlighting the importance of his attacking options.
“We will enter the match tomorrow prepared in terms of physical readiness, especially Nico and Iñaki, who undoubtedly represent an important addition to the team,” he said.
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams said the team had travelled to Saudi Arabia determined to start the year on a positive note and make their supporters proud.
The winner of Wednesday’s encounter will meet either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s final, after their capital derby clash on Thursday.
