Madrid pile pressure on Barça ahead of tricky Girona test

Real Madrid have turned the tables on Barcelona, moving temporarily top of La Liga and heaping pressure on their title rivals ahead of a tricky Monday night trip to Girona.

Five from five for Arbeloa

Álvaro Arbeloa’s perfect league record continues as Madrid boss, with five wins from five in La Liga. Despite the heavy disappointments against Albacete and Benfica in other competitions, his domestic form has been absolutely spot on.

It’s a proper turn up for the books considering all the drama that’s unfolded at the Bernabéu since the new year began. Saturday’s victory against an in-form Real Sociedad side - who hadn’t lost since Matarazzo took charge - has temporarily propelled Los Blancos to the summit of La Liga.

Pressure shifts to Barça

The shoe is now firmly on the other foot. The pressure that Madrid were feeling before hosting La Real has transferred directly to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad.

Their Monday night visit to Girona has suddenly become a must-win fixture if they want to maintain control of the title race after matchday 24. Anything less than three points against Míchel’s side - who’ve consistently caused problems for Barça at Montilivi in recent seasons - will see them surrender top spot by one or two points.

No Mbappé, no problem

What makes Madrid’s victory even more impressive is they achieved it without their French superstar. Mbappé was rested due to discomfort in his left knee, with Arbeloa clearly prioritizing the upcoming European clash in Lisbon.

The absence was significant - Madrid were missing the contributor of nearly half their goals this season (38 of 77, or 49.3%). Arbeloa’s solution was to add an extra midfielder in Camavinga, resulting in a more balanced team performance.

The tactical adjustment paid dividends, and now Madrid can sit back and watch Barcelona sweat it out at Montilivi, knowing they’ve done their job for the weekend.