La Liga Round 21: Real Madrid Must Beware the Bottom Club, Girona's Dark Horse Status in Question

Real Madrid vs. Almería - Bottom Club's Upset Attempt

In the aftermath of a tense Copa del Rey Madrid Derby where Real Madrid fell to Atlético Madrid, morale in the Real camp is undoubtedly affected. Additionally, the Galacticos have been conceding too many goals in 2024, making this round's clash with relegation-battling Almería a potential banana skin. Real Madrid's early season form saw them lead La Liga primarily due to their rock-solid defense, having conceded just 11 goals before the new year. However, their recent defensive frailties, highlighted by costly errors, have raised concerns among fans.

The recent Madrid Derby in the Copa del Rey was a fiercely contested affair. Following their extra-time victory over Atlético in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid was hoping to carry that momentum. Instead, Atlético avenged their loss with an extra-time victory, shattering Real’s hopes of retaining the Copa del Rey. The match featured significant defensive lapses from both sides, leading to three of the four regulation-time goals. In extra time, Atlético’s superior stamina proved decisive, likely benefiting from their earlier exit from the Super Cup.

Real Madrid’s defensive solidity has been questioned as they’ve struggled to maintain clean sheets, managing just one in their five matches in 2024. Errors from their defenders have led to most of the conceded goals, rather than brilliance from the opposition. This inconsistency at the back is a worrying trend for a team with championship aspirations. Against Almería, who are desperate to escape the relegation zone, Real Madrid cannot afford any slip-ups.

Almería, currently at the bottom of the table, have yet to secure a win this season. However, their recent performance against Girona, a 0-0 draw, shows they are fighting hard for survival. The match was particularly surprising given Girona’s status as the highest-scoring team in La Liga and Almería’s record as the team conceding the most goals. Almería not only managed a clean sheet but also dominated the game, allowing Girona only one shot on target. This performance indicates that Almería has worked hard during the winter break, showing significant improvement.

Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has kept six clean sheets in 11 league appearances, might return to the starting lineup after missing time due to injury. Andriy Lunin, who has been filling in, has not impressed recently, contributing to the defensive instability. Almería’s last clean sheet against Girona was more a result of their offensive pressure rather than stellar defending, and replicating that in Madrid will be a tall order. Real Madrid is expected to win 2-0, but they must remain vigilant against a revitalized Almería.

Girona vs. Sevilla - Can the Dark Horse Shine in 2024?

Girona, the surprise package of this La Liga season, has only been held scoreless twice. The first was a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in October, and the second a surprising 0-0 draw against bottom-placed Almería last round. Despite their prolific scoring record, Girona struggled to break down Almería’s defense, managing just one shot on target throughout the match and showing visible frustration that led to a red card in the 80th minute. This performance has reignited questions about how long Girona can sustain their dark horse status.

Sevilla’s underwhelming league form is a stark contrast to their usual high standards. The first half of their season was marked by struggles in balancing their Champions League commitments with domestic league fixtures. Despite exiting the group stage, their league performance hasn’t improved, now on a three-game losing streak. Last round, they fell behind 2-0 to Alavés in the first half, and despite a spirited comeback to level the score, they ultimately lost to a late goal from substitute defender Duarte. This defeat highlights the defensive frailties and lack of consistency that have plagued Sevilla this season.

Girona, despite their recent slip, remains a formidable side, especially at home. They have historically performed well against Sevilla, winning their last home encounter even when they were not as prominent a force in La Liga. However, Girona’s recent form raises doubts about their ability to maintain their impressive run. On the other hand, Sevilla’s focus might now shift towards securing their La Liga status, potentially making them more dangerous as they fight for every point. A 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, with Girona's attacking prowess facing off against Sevilla’s renewed defensive determination.

Tactical Analysis and Key Players

For Real Madrid, addressing their defensive lapses is crucial. The potential return of Kepa Arrizabalaga to the starting lineup might provide the stability they need. Upfront, the team must capitalize on the opportunities against a defensively vulnerable Almería. Players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo must be clinical to ensure a comfortable victory.

Girona needs to rediscover their attacking rhythm after the unexpected goalless draw against Almería. Key players like Cristhian Stuani and Viktor Tsyhankov need to step up and convert chances. For Sevilla, defensive solidity is paramount. They need to avoid the costly mistakes that have plagued them, with experienced players like Ivan Rakitić and Jesús Navas leading by example.

Broader Implications for La Liga

The outcomes of these matches will have significant implications for the standings in La Liga. For Real Madrid, a win is essential to maintain pressure at the top and restore confidence after recent setbacks. For Almería, any points gained would be crucial in their battle against relegation.

Girona’s performance will be scrutinized to see if they can sustain their impressive season and secure European qualification. Sevilla’s immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, but a positive result could spark a turnaround in their campaign.

In summary, La Liga’s Round 21 presents critical fixtures for teams at both ends of the table. Real Madrid must guard against complacency, while Girona needs to prove their early-season form was no fluke. Both matches promise excitement and pivotal moments in the ongoing La Liga narrative.