Real Madrid continues to reap victories at a slow trot. Without necessarily shining in the game but always demonstrating relentless realism. Getafe was the new victim – the sixth in a row in La Liga – of this cold-blooded animal, undefeated for more than three months in the Championship and perfectly launched by Joselu’s pricked header (14th, 1-0). A goal which shocked the Madrid suburbs and allowed Real, technically superior, to calmly manage their advantage by monopolizing the ball.
Getafe lacked ideas and liveliness to destabilize a compact and studious Madrid defensive block. Like the two French players from Real who have started: Ferland Mendy, still difficult to pass, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, brilliant in recovery. The ex-Monegasque even had to help out in central defense again after returning from the locker room, to replace Antonio Rüdiger, injured and replaced by Eduardo Camavinga (46th).
The German’s injury, victim of a blow to his knee, is the big black spot of the Madrid evening. Before two next crucial meetings for the title (receptions of Atlético de Madrid on Sunday, then of Girona the following weekend), Real could only have one professional central defender: Nacho. Especially since receiving a warning (90th+2), Tchouaméni will be suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards on Sunday during the Madrid derby against Atlético.
In the second half, the replacement of Mason Greenwood on the right of the attack allowed Getafe to finally be dangerous. But despite the posts hit by the Englishman (52nd) then Borja Mayoral (73rd), the Azulones suffered on the Merengue counterattacks. With a nice sequence at the entrance to the area, Joselu scored twice and sealed the match (56th, 2-0). Vinicius missed the inevitable against the wide open goal (63rd), then another face-to-face (69th).
But the main thing for Real is to be leader of La Liga again (57 pts), this Thursday evening, with two points ahead of Girona and ten ahead of Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona.
