The rise of Girona is the biggest story in Spanish football in the new season, even eclipsing the setbacks that Barcelona is experiencing after winning the 2022-23 La Liga

crown. Meanwhile, with all their efforts, Real Madrid was able to regain the top spot from Girona just before Christmas, but they were only better than this modest opponent in terms of head-to-head difference – with 45 points after the end. finished 18 rounds, and 7 points higher than the two teams immediately behind, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

But Real Madrid can be confident that they will be the first leg champions when they will welcome 3 talented players from the injury list back to the squad when they face Mallorca on January 3. According to journalist Alberto Pereiro, central midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, right back Dani Carvajal and summer attacking midfielder Arda Guler will all return in the first La Liga match after this Christmas and New Year break.

Camavinga is maturing as one of the best midfielders in the world this season. His versatility at left-back is also an added asset for Real Madrid, especially as Fran Garcia remains unconvincing in that position. Meanwhile, Carvajal was a big question mark entering the 2023-24 season, but the veteran Spain international delivered a great performance until suffering a calf injury at the end of the year. Guler’s recurring injuries are a concern, but the Turkish youngster has shown his world-class potential in Madrid. If Guler can stay in good shape, he and Brahim Diaz could be a game-changing young pairing.

However, Real Madrid’s injury list is still quite long. David Alaba will miss the rest of the season after tearing his knee ligament in the match against Villarreal in mid-December, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Eder Militao still do not know the exact return date. Striker Vinicius Junior is also having thigh problems.