Real Madrid had to win, and they did. A stunning goal from Arda Güler in the first half, which sent a message to Ancelotti, was enough to keep the Whites four points ahead of Barça and alive in the fight for LaLiga.
Arda Güler puts Real Madrid ahead
A goal from Turkish player Arda Güler in the 21st minute, with a shot from the edge of the box, gave Real Madrid the lead at halftime in their visit to Getafe (0-1).
The Azulones kicked off and were the first to approach the Real Madrid area. The start of the match was marked by clashes between Duarte and Endrick. Real Madrid focused their attacks on the left flank. With Brahim and Vinicius, the latter further forward, they forgot to look for goals through the middle.
Fede Valverde had Madrid’s first chance with a deflected chip shot, but Getafe continued to look dangerous from set pieces. The Azulones had their chances to open the scoring from a corner kick that Getafe did manage to get a shot off, but Arambarri’s effort hit Asencio. Shortly after, it was former Real Madrid player Mayoral who tried his luck, but he couldn’t get any direction on his header.
The Whites responded with a double chance for Fran García. Vinicius played the ball back low to the far post for the full-back to arrive. The first was saved by Soria and the second went over the bar. The Whites had 54.5% of the possession to Getafe’s 45.5%.
Madrid let their advantage slip in a counterattack led by Vinicius and Brahim, but after the rebound, Arda Güler fired in a great shot from the right. It seemed that the most dangerous part of the move was over, but the Turkish player placed the ball on his weaker foot and fired a shot at the near post that Soria was unable to clear.
Ten minutes later, the second goal could have arrived. Endrick crossed the ball after a great one-two with Vinicius. Soria got a touch on it and took enough of the power off the shot for the defender to clear it. Brahim also tried his luck. The Moroccan international took a shot with his right foot from the edge of the area. Soria failed to hold onto the rebound and Vinicius tried to get there, but the defense prevented him from getting a shot off.
Real Madrid went on the attack and looked to Ancelotti’s new front three for this clash at the Coliseum, but there was no time for more in the first half.
Real Madrid held on to the lead
Getafe started the second half strongly. Arambarri tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his shot lacked power. Bordalás also made some clearly offensive changes at a time when Real Madrid, with a narrow lead, were playing with fire by making risky passes at the back. In the 56th minute, Madrid had a lucky escape. Fran failed to clear the ball and it fell to Álvaro Rodríguez. However, Tchouameni threw himself to the ground to prevent it from going any further.
Both teams were reaching the opposition’s area with the game wide open. One of the clearest chances fell to Vinicius in the 66th minute. The Brazilian was very active and broke away on his own despite having Valverde and Bellingham around him, but he was denied by a great save from Soria. Getafe appealed for a foul on Brahim at the start of the move. Arambarri also had a clear chance minutes later. It was a clear opportunity for the Uruguayan. He controlled Mayoral’s pass with his back to goal and shot with his left foot. The ball grazed the post.
Ancelotti brought Ceballos on and the game came to a halt. The referee made the decision when part of the crowd chanted “Ceballos, die” as he entered the field. It all stems from Getafe’s relegation against Betis. The game was in stoppage time and Real Madrid would have to play with one less player after Camavinga went down and they had no substitutes left.
In stoppage time, Getafe could have equalized. Courtois made two saves. The second, from Juanmi, was crucial. Álvaro came in from behind and hit the goalkeeper. He was booked. Shortly after, Alderete headed the ball at the far post, but Courtois saved it again, this time with less difficulty.
In the dying moments, Courtois made a spectacular save to deny Álvaro’s powerful low shot with his left hand. Another miracle. Real Madrid held on to the score and picked up three important points.