Michel urges Girona to rise to the occasion against out-of-form Madrid

Girona boss Michel has urged his players to prove themselves against "one of the best teams in the world" when they face Real Madrid in LaLiga on Saturday.

Michel's side, who finished third in the Spanish top-flight last season, have failed to replicate that form, currently occupying eighth place after 15 games of their campaign.

Girona come into the clash with Carlo Ancelotti's side on the back of a shock defeat to fourth-tier side Logrones in the Copa del Rey in midweek.

They have also failed to win any of their last three games in all competitions, scoring just two goals, which both came in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in their last league match.

Though Girona have not lost any of their last four games in LaLiga (W3 D1), which is their longest unbeaten run in the competition this season, Michel highlighted his side's attack as an issue so far this term.

"We are a better team in defence than last year. However, we need to improve in attack, to finish plays," Michel told reporters.

"When you go down you have to get up as soon as possible and that day is tomorrow."

Preparats per a una nova batalla pic.twitter.com/oQp9986ODE

— Girona FC (@GironaFC) December 6, 2024

But Madrid have been in a slump of their own, losing four of their last seven games across all competitions, including a midweek defeat to Athletic Bilbao that saw their longest unbeaten run away from home in LaLiga come to an end (W13 D8).

Despite their recent form, Michel was under no illusions about the task at hand for his players, insisting his side must play a "perfect" game to get a result on Saturday.

"Tomorrow I expect what it is, the Champions League and LaLiga winners. A great team with great players," he added.

"We are playing against one of the best teams in the world, and we have to play a perfect game.

"There is no need to motivate the players for a game against Real Madrid."

And looking at recent meetings between the two sides, the odds are stacked against Michel's side.

Madrid have won their last two meetings with Girona in LaLiga, keeping clean sheets in both, and can make it three wins in a row against the Catalan side for the first time in the top-flight.

Michel has also struggled against Los Blancos in LaLiga. He has lost two of his four league meetings with Carlo Ancelotti (W1 D1).

Only against Diego Simeone (W1 L4) has he suffered more defeats as Girona boss in the competition (also two against Imanol Alguacil, Manuel Pellegrini and Quique Setien).