Real Madrid moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win over Getafe on Sunday afternoon.
Los Blancos found the home side a tough nut to crack in the opening hour of the contest.
However, strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Gareth Bale secured all the points for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
The result has moved Los Blancos four points clear at the top of the table, while Getafe remain in 16th.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
GETAFE
Shots: 6
On target: 0
Possession: 35%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 19
REAL MADRID
Shots: 24
On target: 9
Possession: 65%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
To be blunt, anything other than a comfortable Real Madrid victory would have been unjust. Getafe frustrated the league leaders for a large chunk of the match, but when Ronaldo opened the scoring just past the hour, it was effectively game over. Getafe had some bright moments, especially in the first period, but the fact that they did not register a single shot on target speaks volumes for their performance.
Even with the scores level in the second period, Real Madrid always offered the impression that they would eventually break the deadlock and when that occurred, it was plain sailing. Less than five minutes after Ronaldo had netted, Bale had the away side's second, before Ronaldo completed the scoring late on. Statistics rarely paint a false picture, especially in football, and the fact that Real Madrid dominated all of the major areas in the Spanish capital is an indication of their dominance.
Getafe's performance
In fairness to Getafe, they can take heart from the fact that they frustrated Real Madrid for the opening hour. However, due to their struggles in the final third, it was always going to be a match where they needed to take the lead. Pedro Leon and Alvaro Vasquez both had bright moments, but neither could really worry Iker Casillas in the away side's goal. Getafe have held Barcelona to a goalless draw this season, but a clean sheet never really looked a possibility against Real Madrid.
All three of their substitutes - Fredy Hinestroza, Karim Yoda and Alex Felip - on his league debut - impressed, however, and it might have been a different story had manager Quique Flores gone for a more pacey team. It is all ifs and buts, however, and in truth, they did not deserve to take anything from the match. The hosts are still out of the relegation zone, but they really need to find a way of scoring goals having netted just five times in the league on their own patch this term.
Real Madrid's performance
There is no question that Real Madrid's level has dropped since returning from the winter break, which they entered on the back of a 22-game winning run in all competitions. Los Blancos are not used to early starts in Spain and during the first period, the visitors really struggled. They had the better chances, but Jordi Codina was fairly comfortable in the Getafe goal. That said, as touched upon, Ancelotti's side always offered the impression that they were capable of moving through the gears.
That occurred in the second period, with Real Madrid certainly raising their tempo. They opened the scoring just past the hour when Ronaldo converted after excellent work from Karim Benzema, before James Rodriguez set up Bale for number two. James was at it again late on, with the Colombian's cross headed home by Ronaldo. It was a tricky match for the visitors and while they were far from their best, the three points were secured. The pressure is now back on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: Just the 28 league goals for Ronaldo this season, while he has now scored 15 times in nine games against Getafe, who will be sick of the sight of him. The Portuguese had a frustrating afternoon for long spells, but came to the forefront in the final 30 minutes. Both goals were fairly simple finishes, but the Ballon d'Or winner was in the right place at the right time. He almost bagged another hat-trick late on, but a whistling free kick just dropped wide of the post.
Biggest gaffe
Vasquez had a wonderful chance to grab a late consolation for Getafe after excellent work from Felip, but somehow the striker rattled the post from close range. Any sort of direction across the face of goal would have beaten Casillas, but the ball smashed against the woodwork as Los Blancos kept their clean sheet in tact.
Referee performance
As far as local derbies are concerned, referee Pedro Perez had a fairly straight-forward afternoon. He issued just the two yellow cards in the first period and then another two in the second half. There were no major decisions for the official and in truth, he was not seen for long spells, which is always a good sign for a referee. Perez can be pleased with his work.
What next?
Getafe: The capital outfit return to league action on January 26 with a home match against Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid: Next up for Los Blancos in the league is a home match against Cordoba next Saturday.
Matt Law
