Real Madrid settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Girona at the Bernabéu, with Álvaro Arbeloa condemning a penalty decision that went against them in the 87th minute. Federico Valverde's strike put Madrid ahead before Thomas Lemar equalized. The controversial incident involved Kylian Mbappé appearing to be caught in the face by defender Vitor Reis inside the box, with referee Javier Alberola not deeming it a foul.

The result leaves Real Madrid six points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, dealing another blow to their LaLiga title hopes. Madrid has now gone three games without a win this month following losses to Mallorca and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The team was whistled by frustrated fans as their pursuit of silverware continues to falter in crucial moments.

Arbeloa dismissed concerns about Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior's form instead praising Jude Bellingham, who made his first start since recovering from injury. The former England international looked "agile and confident" as he worked to find his rhythm. Madrid travels to Munich next week for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Bayern, trailing 2-1 from the first leg.