Real Madrid held to yet another disappointing stalemate at Girona as Barcelona climb to the top of the league

Xabi Alonso's side have let their five-point advantage slip after the draw against Girona. (Image credits - FMT, Licence Details

Real Madrid were held to a third successive stalemate against Girona on Sunday as the Los Blancos missed their opportunity to go top of the table at the end of Matchday 14.

Xabi Alonso's side looked well balanced and dominated the game, but multiple squandered chances came back to haunt them at the end of ninety minutes. 

On the other hand, Girona rallied through their home support and broke the deadlock at the stroke of halftime when Moroccan forward Azzedine Ounahi bagged a sensational goal from 18 yards away.

Madrid were awarded a penalty later in the second half, when Rincon brought down Vinicius in the box, and Mbappe equalised for the visitors. Alonso's men kept pushing for the winner, but the hosts were determined to grab these crucial points.

Madrid attempted 25 shots but could manage only 4 shots to trouble the Girona goalkeeper, who was brilliant as well. They secured an xG of 2.62, while Girona had an xG of just 1.13 from 10 shots on goal.

The game could have easily been won by the Los Blancos, as they squandered two big chances in the dying minutes, which leaves Real Madrid second in the table with 33 points while Barça sits at the top with 34 points.

Worrying signs for Real Madrid? Xabi Alonso's in-game management raises doubts amongst the fans

After the draw against Girona, Real Madrid are now second in the table, but they were 5 points above Barca just three matchdays before. Several cracks have developed in Alonso's team since their stunning El Clasico victory.

The Los Blancos are undoubtedly much better on the ball now, and their structure also stays compact, unlike last season. However, the defensive issues from last season still continue to haunt them, as the defenders often fail to track back while high pressing the opposition.

The Spanish boss has not been impressed so far with his in-game management, and big troubles lie ahead if the dressing room situation is not solved soon. 

Gonzalo Garcia, who had been the top scorer for Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, is hardly getting any minutes despite the fact that Rodrygo is unable to find his rhythm in the team.

Against Girona, Garcia was introduced with just 4 minutes left to play when he should've been brought on several minutes earlier, as he showed more spark than Rodrygo on the pitch.

Xabi Alonso's in-game management has not been up to the mark so far. (Image credits - FMT, Licence Details

The Brazilian forward is going through the worst phase of his RMA career, and it's the worst goal drought by any Real Madrid forward in their 123-year history. His goalless outing against Girona meant that he has failed to net a single goal for 30 consecutive appearances for the Los Blancos, which is a worrying sign for the Brazilian winger.

Santiago Segurola slammed the Madrid team post-match after the disappointing draw against Girona.

“Madrid lacks intelligence on the pitch… they’ve opted for a more physical, more athletic style of football, with signings in midfield of that type.” (sic)

He further added that “Real Madrid is a bewildered team, in regression; it was known that a midfielder was missing and no one was signed. They signed players in every position except that type of player they needed.” (sic)

The squad needs to be worked on, and the team is clearly missing influential profiles like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric – the midfield duo which held this team together for almost a decade.