Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso’s side back on top of the table ahead of clásico
Kylian Mbappe’s late goal was enough to lift Real Madrid back to the top of La Liga as they beat nine-man Getafe 1-0 on Sunday evening, in a game that turned chaotic in its closing stages.
Mbappe scored from an Arda Guler assist in the 80th minute, after Getafe substitute Allan Nyom was sent off less than a minute into his appearance for elbowing Vinicius Junior.
Whatever faint hopes the home side had of pursuing a late equaliser flew out the window when they had another player sent off, Alex Sancris picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Vinicius.
However, Getafe still came close to rescuing a point deep into stoppage time, only for Thibaut Courtois to make a sharp save and deny Abu Kamara.
It was a frustrating contest for Xabi Alonso’s for much of the night. Madrid struggled to break down a compact Getafe side and lacked inspiration until Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler were brought on in the second half.
The Brazilian was a lightning rod and drew both red cards as Getafe’s lack of discipline caused them to collapse.
The match saw the continuation of the La Liga wide protests this weekend, with both sets of players standing still for the opening 15 seconds to demonstrate against the league’s decision to move Villarreal’s December fixture against Barcelona to Miami.
