Arda Güler’s elegant strike in the first half was all Real Madrid needed to edge past Getafe 1-0 on Wednesday, a result that kept their LaLiga title chase alive.
With five games remaining, Los Blancos closed the gap on league leaders Barcelona to four points.
Barcelona had earlier stretched their lead atop the table with a slim 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday. .
In response, Carlo Ancelotti’s side collected a valuable three points at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, courtesy of the Turkish midfielder’s composed finish in the 20th minute from just outside the area.
Ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals Barcelona, Ancelotti rotated his squad, giving some key players a breather. Yet, despite the changes, Madrid looked composed and in control for most of the match.
However, their inability to convert further chances meant the game remained in the balance until the final whistle.
The victory lifted them to 72 points in second place, nine clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand and face Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, Ancelotti opted to rest several big names, including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Luka Modric, Antonio Rüdiger, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Even with a rotated lineup, Madrid controlled much of the game, although they struggled to break down a disciplined Getafe backline following Güler’s opener.
Vinícius Júnior, lively on the left wing, repeatedly tested Getafe’s defense and was denied twice by goalkeeper David Soria. He also laid off a golden chance for 18-year-old Endrick in the 32nd minute, only for Djené to produce a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Madrid continued to dominate after halftime, with Soria pulling off superb stops to keep out a curling shot from Brahim Díaz and a powerful drive by Vinícius.
As fatigue began to show, Getafe started to find joy on the counter. Mauro Arambarri came closest to an equalizer in the 72nd minute but failed to connect cleanly after being teed up by Borja Mayoral.
Real sought to double their lead late on, but left themselves exposed. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stood tall, making two crucial saves from Omar Alderete and Juanmi to secure the win.
This marked the first time in a month that Madrid had registered consecutive wins across all competitions, and Ancelotti will be keen to see his side carry this form into the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final.
