to cut Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
Carlo Ancelotti and his players were under increasing pressure to succeed this season after Arsenal's Champions League elimination last week. On a night when nothing but a win would suffice, a composed, if unspectacular performance somewhat eased anxieties. In preparation for Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, Ancelotti made six changes to his team, with Jude Bellingham starting on the bench. Kylian Mabppe didn't play because of an ankle injury. Guler finished off a swift Real Madrid break with a rifled effort in the 21st minute that Getafe goalkeeper David Soria couldn't keep out despite getting a hand to it.
Endrick looked set to mark his first La Liga start with a goal when Vinicius Jr put him one-on-one with Soria, but Djene Dakonam cleared off the line after the goalkeeper got a hand to the effort.
Real were far from their ruthless best, and were fortunate that Getafe didn't equalise after the break.
Substitute Alvaro Rodriguez first went close with a header, before Mauro Arambarri dragged a low shot wide after Rodriguez picked him out unmarked.
They also had some good old-fashioned chances, the best of which saw Vinicius force Soria to tip his shot over the bar by ignoring the runs of Bellingham and Brahim Diaz. The match paused briefly with 13 minutes remaining when the referee spoke to both managers and a police officer on the touchline after Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni approached him.
The public announcement system was then played with a message reminding fans not to use racist language. In the sixth minute of extra time, Getafe almost got a draw, but Rodriguez's low effort on the turn was saved by Thibaut Courtois with great skill. With five games remaining, Madrid now trails league leaders Barcelona by four points. They will play each other on May 11th. Getafe remain 12th, seven points off the European places and seven points above the relegation zone.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0