At the beck and call of responsibilities, Real Madrid failed to live up to the billing as Getafe defied all odds to clutch an astonishing 0-1 win against league title contenders.
With an eye on the ultimate, Real madrid were aiming to fasten the points difference accrued by the Catalonian giant whiles they seek to reclaim summit of the Spanish la-Liga table.
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was the match venue, Los Blancos were set up in an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation – relying on the strong defensive double-pivot midfield, made up of Tchouamani and Pitarch plus an attacking fluidity through an advance attacking midfield with a supporting lone center-forward.
On the flip side, Getafe were poised to remain compact and discipline in a defensive formation of 5-4-1, with intentions of remaining an indispensable side whiles expecting the lone attacker to feed off any half-chance.
Obvious, the absence of Real Madrid’s top goalscorer, Kylian Mbappe was felt – with a chunk of the first team players being sidelined due to injuries, the Whiles Angels of Spanish football have lost two of their last three games which includes today’s game.
Back to the game, in an exchange of sweet accurate passes between Arambarri Muaro and Satriano Martin on the 39th minute, a ruthless finish from the Martin was enough to hand over a deserving lead for Getafe ahead of half-time.
Resumption of the second half of action saw real Madrid initiate three subs, Rodrygo, Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were all introduce to replace Pitarch, Alaba and Trent Alexander Arnold – these set of changes immediately imbibe renewed energy into the team.
Real Madrid were now on the front-foot as they possed series of attacking incursions which were not fruitful – the defensive discipline from Getafe was commendable, averting any form of silly tackles in dangerous positions as they stuck to the plan with intentions of protecting their 0-1 lead.
Heading into the stoppage time, fruastrated Fransco Mastantuono was forced to engage in an unnecessary tackle which got him red carded, after two minutes, Adrian Liso secured his second yellow card for him to be sent off by the referee.
Now, the league title race is still on the chopping board, however, FC Barcelona after Real Madrid’s loss have seen their points gap extended to four points, which hands them a favourable undeniable lead until the end of the season.