Rodrygo strikes again as Madrid catch Girona with Granada win

Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward #11 Rodrygo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Granada FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 1, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Rodrygo continued his fine goalscoring form to help Real Madrid ease to a 2-0 win over Granada on Saturday and reclaim the lead in La Liga.

After Catalan minnows Girona snatched a 2-1 win over Valencia they moved temporarily top, but Madrid slid back above them on goal difference on a tranquil evening in the capital.

Brahim Diaz opened the scoring midway through the first half and Rodrygo doubled the lead after 57 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Brazilian forward has scored seven goals in his last five games across all competitions, appearing at the perfect time to keep Madrid’s strong start to the season going despite various absences.

Madrid are missing several key figures through injury, from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to winger Vinicius Junior.

However Los Blancos had more than enough to sweep past the Andalucians, 19th and battling against relegation.

Granada set up with five at the back to try and keep Carlo Ancelotti’s side at arm’s length and although it worked to an extent, Madrid claiming three points was rarely in doubt.

Without creating an excess of chances, Madrid quickly took control of the game.

After 26 minutes Toni Kroos’ superb pass sent Diaz in on goal and he stayed cool to gently nudge home and put Madrid ahead.

It was the former Manchester City playmaker’s second goal in four matches, with Diaz showing he can help the red-hot Rodrygo fill the gap left by Vinicius Junior’s injury.

Jude Bellingham, La Liga’s top goalscorer with 11 strikes,