Real Madrid hand Barcelona huge La Liga title chance after draw with Girona

Real Madrid had to settle for a 1-1 draw against mid-table Girona in La Liga, extending the hosts’ winless run to three games in all competitions and giving leaders Barcelona the chance to stretch their advantage at the top.

Barca have 76 points, six ahead of second-placed Real, who have now played a game more. The Catalan side visit Espanyol on Saturday and can move nine clear with seven matches left.

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Federico Valverde put Real ahead six minutes after halftime with a low strike from the edge of the area that slipped through goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s grasp.

Girona levelled in the 62nd minute when Thomas Lemar cut in from the right and drove the ball home from the edge of the box.

Real pressed for a winner but lacked composure, while Girona defended in numbers to secure a point.