Arda Guler scored the only goal of the match as Real Madrid recorded a much-needed 1-0 victory over Getafe in Wednesday night's La Liga contest at Estadio Coliseum.
The Turkey international found the back of the net with a powerful strike in the 21st minute, and that proved to be the difference between the two sides, with Los Blancos putting in a strong defensive performance.
The result has moved Carlo Ancelotti's side back to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with five games left, and the fact that the two teams will play each other in the league next month means that the title race is still very much open.
Getafe, though, have now lost their last three matches, and the disappointing run of form has seen them drop down into 12th spot in the table, five points behind eighth-placed Mallorca in the race for Europe.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
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Guler will certainly feel that he should have been given more opportunities this season, but he made his point in this match, with the 20-year-old coming up with the game's decisive moment to secure a vital three points.
There was no Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday night, while Jude Bellingham started on the bench, so Los Blancos were far from at full-strength, but they managed to secure the victory that they desperately required to stay in the title race.
Real Madrid have now won each of their last three league matches 1-0, with three clean sheets hugely positive, and a domestic double is still very much on this season, with Barcelona their opponents in Saturday's Copa del Rey final.
There is no getting away from the fact that their Champions League exit was hugely disappointing, but the team could still end the season with three trophies; Ancelotti is expected to lose his job in the coming weeks, and the Italian will be desperate to end on a positive note.
Mbappe's presence in this weekend's Copa del Rey final is far from certain, and Real Madrid therefore face a nervy few days when it comes to the fitness of their leading goalscorer during the 2024-25 campaign.
GETAFE VS. REAL MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
Arda Guler goal vs. Getafe (21st min, Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid)
A stunning strike from Arda Guler! ๐
โ Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 23, 2025
Real Madrid's Turkish youngster delivering an important goal โช๐น๐ท
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฆ @sbk | 18+ | ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ pic.twitter.com/scbV6UWF9w
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 21st minute of the match, and it is a wonderful strike from Guler, with the Turkey international's effort from distance having too much power for the Getafe goalkeeper.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LUCAS VAZQUEZ
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Vazquez has faced criticism in recent weeks, and there is huge uncertainty surrounding his future, with the Spaniard's contract due to expire at the end of June, but he was excellent for Los Blancos on Wednesday night.
The 33-year-old offered an outlet down the right, but it was his defensive work that impressed the most, making four tackles and winning two aerial duels, while Vazquez also completed 43 of his 52 passes in Madrid.
GETAFE VS. REAL MADRID MATCH STATS
Possession: Getafe 37%-63% Real Madrid
Shots: Getafe 20-14 Real Madrid
Shots on target: Getafe 6-7 Real Madrid
Corners: Getafe 4-4 Real Madrid
Fouls: Getafe 15-7 Real Madrid
BEST STATS
20 - Most goals from outside the box scored by teams from the top 5 European leagues in all competitions this season:
โ OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 23, 2025
๐ช๐ธ REAL MADRID CF - 20
๐ช๐ธ FC Barcelona - 18
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Chelsea - 16
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Manchester City - 16
Cannon. pic.twitter.com/yuw4rdp5hC
7 - Arda Gรผler has been directly involved in seven goals in his last 10 starts for Real Madrid in all competitions (four goals and three assists). Productive. pic.twitter.com/fTAiyXAVQX
โ OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 23, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch to the Copa del Rey, with Los Blancos taking on Barcelona in the final of the competition on Saturday evening, and it is shaping up to be a fascinating El Clasico.
Getafe, meanwhile, will be bidding to avoid a fourth straight defeat in La Liga when they travel to Rayo Vallecano on May 2.
Matt Law
