Real Madrid will arrive as leaders to the Clasico after beating Getafe
Kylian Mbappe scored the decisive goal after Nyom's sending off; Los Blancos go into the Clasico as leaders against Barcelona
A solitary goal from Kylian Mbappe was enough for Real Madrid to beat Getafe 1-0 at the Coliseum, in a tight and lackluster match. The Frenchman appeared just after the home side were reduced to ten men after the expulsion of Franco-Cameroonian Allan Nyom. With this victory, Real Madrid remain top of LaLiga and will face Barcelona with a two-point advantage.
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Until the sending off, Getafe had managed to contain a Real Madrid team that lacked rhythm or clarity in attack. The home side's defense resisted Mbappe and Rodrygo's attempts well, while goalkeeper David Soria responded every time he was called upon. But things changed with the introduction of Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler, both substitutes at the start.
A harsh off-the-ball foul by Nyom on Vinicius led to a straight red card, and just a couple of minutes later, a connection between Guler and Mbappe broke the balance. The Frenchman finished with class, celebrating a goal that sparked euphoria on the bench and gave breathing space to a Madrid side that was struggling to find space.
Getafe held on, but Courtois secured the lead
Despite being reduced to nine men after Alex Sancris was sent off in the 84th minute, Getafe didn't give up. They even had a clear chance to equalize in the final minutes, when Englishman Abu Bakarr Kamara forced Thibaut Courtois into a decisive save that salvaged the three points. The Belgian was key, once again, in a game that Madrid ended up defending with more nerves than control.
Xabi Alonso, who started Eduardo Camavinga, wasn't entirely satisfied with the midfield's performance, although he welcomed his team's reaction to the substitutions. The Frenchman didn't have his best afternoon, but the introduction of the youngsters was the boost they needed. With this result, Real Madrid retains their lead in the league ahead of the eagerly awaited clash with Hansi Flick's Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Getafe, despite their efforts,remains at the bottom of the table.