Girona vs Real Madrid Prediction: Ounahi to receive a card at 13/5 is Statistical Value

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Real Madrid are in the middle of a long run of away fixtures, with their latest trip taking them to Catalonia to take on struggling Girona this weekend. 

They do so on the back of two entertaining matches since the international break. Xabi Alonso's side returned to league action last Sunday, but could only draw 2-2 away to newly promoted Elche. In one of their least convincing performances of the campaign, Los Blancos twice needed to come from behind to salvage a point, with Jude Bellingham scoring and assisting. 

The Englishman was one of a number of regulars missing from the starting lineup in midweek, as Real Madrid travelled to Greece to take on Olympiacos in the Champions League. Bellingham was rested, but a range of fitness issues meant the Spaniards were missing their first-choice goalkeeper and four central defenders in Piraeus. 

Unsurprisingly given those issues, it was far from a convincing defensive display, with their opponents scoring three goals and frequently finding lots of space in the final third. Fortunately for the visitors, Kylian Mbappé ended a mini goal drought with a stunning individual performance. The Frenchman linked up well with Vinícius Júnior, and scored all of his team's goals in a 4-3 victory. 

It was hardly a night that eased fears about Real Madrid's growing dependency on Mbappé. They'd likely have lost the game had the striker not been in such blistering form. However, in the absence of a convincing team unit, right now their best approach may be to continue to look to get the 26-year-old on the ball as much as possible. 

Girona will certainly sense there are areas where they can get at their opponents in this match. Míchel is one of the more attack-minded coaches in La Liga, and his teams do frequently look to take on the bigger clubs, rather than resorting to the defensive tactics many teams use in such fixtures. 

The Girona boss deserves credit for largely sticking to his guns, despite a woeful start to the season. The Catalans picked up just one point from their opening five matches, conceding 15 goals during that period. The obvious solution might have been to switch to a more conservative style, but the 50-year-old has looked to build a team that can still attack their opponents and push for goals. 

There have been clear improvements in recent weeks, and it's just two defeats in nine competitive matches for Girona heading into this one. They put in one of their best performances of the campaign last time out, to draw 1-1 away to a strong Real Betis side. 

Míchel's team scored a fine team goal in that match, with Bryan Gil at the heart of the move, and striker Vladyslav Vanat finishing it off. While they're certainly not back to the peaks of the 2023/24 season when they qualified for the Champions League, the forward line is showing signs of life at last. 

The midfield is also much improved since those poor early showings, with summer signings Axel Witsel and Azzedine Ounahi both looking like smart additions. 

Team News: 

Both teams are hampered by some significant selection issues heading into this game. Girona will be without Donny van de Beek, David López and Portu due to injuries. They have additional doubts over Thomas Lemar and Daley Blind. 

One of the few survivors of the successful 2023/24 team, Blind should return to the starting lineup if he's passed fit, although a youthful backline featuring Arnau Martínez, Vitor Reis and Hugo Rincón coped well in Seville last weekend. Otherwise, major changes are not expected. 

Real Madrid are hopeful at least one of their main central defenders will be ready for this match. Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger are all expected back soon, but Alonso will need to decide whether to hold some players back for a tough trip to Bilbao on Wednesday. 

That fixture may result in more rotation here. Bellingham is expected to come back in, while Thibaut Courtois should also return following a bout of gastroenteritis. Dani Carvajal is still sidelined, while winger Franco Mastantuono is an additional doubt.