Stephen Dunmoye
Reigning Champions, Real Madrid has dropped points in the title race with a 1-1 draw at home against Girona today in La Liga, with Rodrygo having a goal ruled out late on.
Second-placed Barcelona, who snatched a late victory at Valencia on Saturday, are now just a point behind the leaders, who remain unbeaten in the top flight.
Madrid took the lead through Vinicius Junior in the 70th minute but Cristhian Stuani levelled with a penalty after Marco Asensio handled in the area.
Rodrygo bashed home what he thought was an 89th-minute winner, but the goal was disallowed as he kicked the ball out from under Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s hand — he had just about managed to get it under control after stopping a shot from the Brazilian.
Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos was sent off in stoppage time after earning a second yellow card for a foul from behind on Aleix Garcia to cap a frustrating afternoon for Carlo Ancelotti’s team at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were without Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who was not feeling 100 percent fit after a thigh problem, while Aurelien Tchouameni was a surprise late absence after initially being named on the squad list for the game.
The France midfielder was reported to have a muscular overload, but is expected to return for Madrid’s Champions League game against Celtic on Wednesday, where they are aiming to seal top spot in their group.
