Girona's surprising La Liga title aspirations: Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti takes notice

As the two teams prepare to face off at Estadi Montilivi, the Italian tactician has acknowledged the threat posed by the Catalan side, and Saturday's showdown could see the winner sit atop the league table.

Last season, Los Blancos endured a humbling 4-2 defeat at the hands of Girona in northern Catalonia, a night that still stings in Madridistas' memories. Ancelotti, however, is determined to avoid a repeat performance, stating confidently to reporters, "Tomorrow, what happened last season will not happen."

Comparisons have been drawn to the fairy tale of Leicester City's Premier League triumph in England. When asked about the possibility of Girona emulating the Spanish equivalent, Ancelotti responded cautiously, emphasizing the need to assess the present moment and acknowledge Girona's early-season achievements. "Girona has outperformed many others in these initial games," Ancelotti acknowledged. "We must respect this. Girona can fight for the title."

One significant advantage that Girona hold is their absence from European competitions. With no midweek fixtures to contend with, they can meticulously prepare for domestic clashes. Ancelotti shed light on the challenges faced by teams involved in international competitions, revealing, "What affects teams the most at this stage are the international competitions, because we have injuries, fatigue, and limited recovery time."

To underscore the demanding schedule, Ancelotti referred to a scenario where players return from international duty on the 19th and are expected to face Sevilla on the 21st. "If there is a delay in their flights," Ancelotti emphasized, "I have to tell the player that we will see you in Seville; they will not stop in Madrid but go directly to Seville."

Real have been vocal about the taxing football calendar and its adverse impact on player well-being and game quality. Ancelotti's comments echo these concerns, highlighting the strain on athletes in the relentless pursuit of success.

Moreover, Ancelotti disclosed a tactical adjustment in Real Madrid's approach for the season. The full-backs have been tasked with adopting higher positions on the field. With a formidable Girona attacking unit and the return of Vinicius Junior, the exact role of these full-backs remains a point of intrigue. Ancelotti explained, "In this early part of the season, we have instructed them to venture further forward than usual, especially when we lack a winger of Vinicius's calibre."

He added, "The work has paid off, and we have found the net through crosses. However, defensively, we have encountered difficulties, especially against teams fielding five forwards between the lines."

Ancelotti's tactical shift has benefited players like Dani Carvajal, who thrived in his role until his injury. Nonetheless, it has left players such as Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez exposed to opposing wingers. In their upcoming clash in Catalonia, Real Madrid's full-backs will face the daunting task of containing Girona's Viktor Tsygankov and Savio Moreira.

As the football world eagerly anticipates the showdown at Estadi Montilivi, Ancelotti's acknowledgment of Girona's potential to challenge for the La Liga title has added an intriguing layer of excitement to the encounter. 

The battle for supremacy in Spain's top-flight is heating up, and Girona's rise to prominence could be one of the season's defining narratives. 

 

Read More: La Liga roundup: Real Madrid defeat Las Palmas as Girona stay on top (planetsport.com)