Real Madrid reaffirmed their position in the La Liga title race on Sunday night by defeating city rivals Getafe, despite grappling with significant injury concerns.
The 2-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu was sealed with goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, keeping the defending champions firmly in contention for domestic glory.
Bellingham opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a composed penalty, taking over spot-kick duties after Mbappe’s recent miss against Liverpool.
The England international displayed remarkable calmness, deceiving Getafe goalkeeper David Soria with a hop-step technique before sending the ball into the net.
Mbappe soon doubled Madrid’s lead, showcasing his clinical touch with a beautifully curled finish off the post, marking his tenth goal of the season.
Getafe came close to altering the scoreline on a few occasions, striking the woodwork twice. Substitute Christantus Uche rattled the frame with Thibaut Courtois beaten, and later, John Patrick’s effort hit both the crossbar and the post before bouncing away.
Despite these near-misses, Getafe failed to capitalize on their opportunities and remained mired near the bottom of the La Liga standings.
Pre-match discussions had centered on Madrid’s injury woes, exacerbated by their midweek Champions League defeat to Liverpool. However, the return of Rodrygo provided some relief for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Rodrygo’s early appeals for a penalty were waved away, but Madrid didn’t have to wait long for a legitimate opportunity. Antonio Rudiger was brought down by Allan Nyom, leading to the penalty converted by Bellingham.
The second half saw Bellingham substituted, and Madrid were initially awarded another penalty for a suspected handball by Juan Berrocal.
However, a VAR review overturned the decision, as replays showed the ball had struck his leg. Despite Getafe’s resurgence after halftime, Madrid remained composed. Mbappe had chances to extend the lead, including a one-on-one opportunity where his heavy touch let him down, but Getafe’s defense and goalkeeper David Soria held firm.
Madrid’s defense absorbed the late pressure, with Courtois called into action on several occasions. Despite their injuries, Madrid’s resilience and depth shone through, leaving them just one point behind league leaders Barcelona with a game in hand.
Barcelona’s recent slump, including a loss to Las Palmas, has opened the door for Madrid to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Bellingham’s leadership and consistency continue to stand out, with the midfielder scoring in three consecutive league matches. Madrid’s ability to remain competitive despite their injury setbacks underscores their status as defending champions and solidifies their credentials as genuine title contenders.
