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Real Madrid defeated Girona's strong fight to take a two-goal lead in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final.
After seeing Barcelona compete with the Catalans 24 hours ago, it seemed that the Santiago Solari team would suffer the same fate when Anthony Lozano broke through Thibaut Courtois after seven minutes.
Los Blancos responded within 10 minutes by Lucas Vasquez, who finished at close range after a darting run of the impressive Alvaro Odriozola. Vinicius Junior, 19, then threatened Gorka Iraizoz's goal, but fell to the ball before the first point of the match.
Moments after Luka Modric's penalty charges were dropped, scorer Lozano went from hero to villain when he was tried for overthrowing influential Junior.
Sergio Ramos duly obliged with panenka on the experienced shooter to make play equal to Madrid's favor. They could have further strengthened their advantage thanks to Karim Benzema, who saw his effort hitting the outside of the wood before the interval.
But after missing several chances, Girona found a lifeline at the hour of play, when his replacement Marcos Llorente was punished for a blatant handball. Alex Granell is converted to equalize the match, before Madrid shows off its typical grain in a brave display.
In three minutes, two goals scored by Ramos and Benzema prevented Real from returning to Girona with a decisive advantage in a week.
TRUE MADRID
Key discussion point
With their hopes of losing the title in La Liga, Los Blancos seemed determined to blossom in a competition he had won 19 times in his illustrious history.
Although they were caught in the second half, their character and desire to see the match will please Solari, who saw his team record a fourth victory in its last five games in all competitions. Led by Captain Ramos, Madrid may have reached a milestone in this difficult campaign.
Player ranking
Beginning XI: Courtois (6), Odriozola (8), Ramos (7), Nacho (7), Marcelo (6), Ceballos (6), Casemiro (7), Modric (7), Vazquez (7), Junior (9 *) Benzema (8).
substitutes: Llorente (5), Kroos (6), Isco (N / A)
MAN OF STARS
Playing a role in three of his team's four goals that night, Brazilian winger Junior played a key role in their offensive intentions.
@tomcliffordcfc Vinicius Junior would do better to stay in this form if Real Madrid really wants to completely replace Ronaldo's production
– Kendell Littlejohn (@KenALittlejohn) January 24, 2019
Posing speed, skill and acceleration on the ball, his performance will give headache to Solari in the coming weeks, after several injuries to his compatriots forwards.
Worst player
By conceding a penalty within five minutes of his introduction, Llorente could have predicted a worse return to the game after an injury.
His useless intervention provoked nervousness in the ranks of Madrid for a time, but was eventually recovered.
GIRONA
Player ranking
Beginning XI: Iraizoz (6), Ramalho (6), Alcala (6), Juanpe (5), Muniesa (6), Garcia (6), Luiz (5), Garcia (6), Granel (6), Lozano (7), Doumbia (7).
substitutes: Espinosa, Ho Paik, Portu.
Look to the front
Before the second leg, which starts next Thursday, Madrid will turn to La Liga again when they travel to Espanyol on Sunday to narrow the gap at the top.
For its part, Girona will welcome the leader of the Barcelona League on Thursday looking for a first win in 10 outings.
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