Three wins and three clean sheets on the bounce for Madrid, after a routine victory against city neighbours Getafe

Back at the Bernebéu after a disappointing display at Anfield in the week, Real Madrid continued their clinical league form, dispatching Madrid neighbours Getafe in a 2-0 victory.

Getafe came into the contest off the back of a good week after victories in both the league, with a 2-0 home victory against Real Valladolid, and the Copa del Rey, comfortably beating lower league Manises, 3-0. Despite this, Los Azulones had not beaten their city rivals at the Bernebéu since 2008 coming into the clash.

Both sides lined up with many absentees. As well as Carvajal and Eder Militao, who both look likely to be out for the season, Madrid were also plagued by big names such as Camavinga, Tchouameni and LaLiga Player of the Month for November, Vinicius Jr, all through injury. Consequently, it was Rodrygo who started in the centre-forward position, with Mbappé on his preferred left flank. Ceballos sat as the deepest member of the Madrid midfield, with Bellingham playing further forward in a position he has got much joy from in the past few games.

Getafe, however, weren’t without their own problems. Captain and long-time servant Djené was suspended for the match after an accumulation of yellow cards, as well as striker, Bertuğ Yildrim. This, along with the long-term injury of last season’s player of the season, Borja Mayoral, meant an opportunity for the young Álvaro Rodriguez. Goalscorer off the bench in their last LaLiga fixture, Álvaro arrived at Getafe on a season-long loan from Los Blancos in the summer and was handed the chance to impress in his first start of the season against none other than his parent club.

The bout started as expected, Madrid with the majority of the ball, with Getafe looking to break up play however possible with a number of fouls. Álvaro, clearly up for the challenge, looked to make himself a physical presence with a staggering 9 fouls in the game. It was the ill-discipline of Getafe that led Madrid breaking the deadline. Allan Nyom, despite being cautioned for a similar off-ball incident earlier in the game, gave away a penalty for holding Rudiger in the box. The penalty was cooly converted by Jude Bellingham, who has had to wait for his chance from the spot this season, with Mbappe and Vini usually claiming responsibility. A goal for Bellingham that might’ve bought back the memory of his first time scoring at the Bernebéu in the fixture last season.

It was Bellingham’s precise pass that led to Mbappé’s long-range effort just 8 minutes later. A mixed first half for the Frenchman who despite his goal, struggled to make an impact on the left, regularly losing possession taking on his man. Perhaps something that could be attributed to overthinking with the ball at his feet. Nonetheless, a fantastic finish meant Los Blancos went into half-time, in control, with a 2-0 lead.

Bellingham was taken off at the break, however, it is unclear at this point if it was a case of simply resting legs after a physically taxing week or another injury to Ancelotti’s men. The second half provided many chances for both sides. The referee pointed to the spot in the 50th minute for another Madrid penalty but was turned over by VAR. On the other hand, Courtois was forced into a good stop by Carlos Pérez before Getafe hit the post soon after. Despite this, Madrid remained in control but couldn’t manage to add to their lead despite the number of chances they created. Mbappe looked more confident and creatively inspired but lacked the finishing touch on multiple occasions.

Elsewhere for Los Blancos, it was another astute performance for Raúl Asencio who has impressed since coming into the side but was rarely tested by the Getafe attack. Valverde put in another all-round, complete performance back in his preferred centre midfield position after the return of Lucas Vazquéz at full-back.

Three wins and three clean sheets on the bounce now for Real Madrid in LaLiga, meaning the gap that was once at 9 points behind Barcelona is now just 1, with a game in hand. Despite poor form in the Champions League, and the humiliating El Clásico defeat at the end of October, they are quietly going about their business in their title defence. 

Wednesday night’s fixture away at Athletic Bilbao will be a big test for Ancelotti’s men who will hope to continue putting pressure on league leaders Barcelona. A place that is not easy for any team to go, with just one defeat at home this season to Madrid’s rivals Atletico Madrid in August.