In a low-key LaLiga match on Saturday, Marco Asensio's 20-yard strike gave Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Getafe, who were in danger of being relegated.
With 20 minutes remaining at Santiago Bernabeu, the Spain international scored an outstanding goal to put Los Blancos in contention for a top-two finish.
Carlo Ancelotti's focus has long since switched to mounting a successful defense of their Champions League title as Barcelona is about to clinch the league title.
He will, however, be pleased that they were able to defeat Jose Bordalas' hapless opponents and continue their unbeaten streak.
As a result of Wednesday's looming European Cup semifinal match against Manchester City, a heavily rotated team was fielded, and Madrid emerged victorious after a lackluster first half.
Aurelien Tchouameni made a deft delivery, and Asensio wasted a chance by tapping a soft finish straight to goalkeeper David Soria. Just over the halfway point, Dani Ceballos missed the target horribly.
Getafe failed to pressure their opponents for a goal of their own and were largely restricted to a flurry of half-chances for Juan Iglesias that were skillfully handled in the first quarter of the game.
Because of the general lack of talent, Ancelotti brought on a number of first-team regulars after the break, including Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric.
But Asensio ultimately prevailed as he pounced from a distance. A good deflection enabled his effort to slither beneath Soria and inside the right post.
Vinicius' late breakaway was disallowed for being offside, but Madrid was unfazed until the last minutes, securing three points with little difficulty.
Why does that matter? Madrid continue to sing
Los Blancos were always going to field a depleted team for this game because it was sandwiched between the two contests that will likely determine whether or not their season can be deemed successful.
They were ultimately successful despite the serious possibility of leaving with just a point and losing more ground to rivals Atletico Madrid in the battle for second.
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