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February 2, 2024

Getafe 0-2 Real Madrid: Joselu’s Double Sends Los Blancos Back to La Liga Summit – La Liga

La Liga leaders Real Madrid made a comeback to the top with a comfortable 2-0 victory over local rivals Getafe. Joselu opened the scoring early with a powerful header from Lucas Vázquez’s cross and later added a second after the break. A flowing team move found the Espanyol loanee on the edge of the box, where he drilled home to secure the win. With this result, Madrid moved two points clear of surprise challengers Girona.

Madrid dominated the game from the start, with Vinícius Jr. having the first clear opportunity after 13 minutes. Released by a long ball, he went one-on-one with goalkeeper David Soria. However, the veteran keeper was up to the task, denying Vinícius’ effort.

Just two minutes later, Madrid took the lead. Vázquez whipped in a perfect cross from the right, and Joselu met it with a header that bounced into the ground and past Soria.

Before halftime, Madrid nearly doubled their lead through the same duo. Vázquez found space again on the right to deliver a low cross, which Joselu connected with first-time, only for Soria to make an excellent save, pushing it wide.

In response to a lackluster first half, Getafe’s manager José Bordalás made three substitutions at the break. Getafe looked more dangerous in the second half, with their best chance coming in the 52nd minute when Mason Greenwood’s shot struck the post.

However, Madrid extended their lead five minutes later. Vinícius set up Joselu, who took a touch and fired past Soria for his second goal of the game.

Madrid nearly added a third after 65 minutes when Joselu found himself in another one-on-one with Soria but unselfishly passed to Vinícius. With the Getafe keeper already down, Vinícius’ shot seemed sure to go in. Still, Soria miraculously saved it with an outstretched arm.

Getafe struck the post again in the 73rd minute through their top scorer, Borja Mayoral, whose fierce shot cannoned off the woodwork.

Real Madrid comfortably controlled the match’s final stages, moving the ball around with ease to close out the win and reclaim their spot at the top of the La Liga table.

Talking Point: One Down, Five to Go

Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Getafe may have sent them to the top of La Liga, two points ahead of Girona. Still, it’s just the beginning of a crucial run of fixtures in February. Carlo Ancelotti described the match as “key” for the present and the rest of the season. With a packed schedule, Madrid needed to secure the win to maintain their momentum in the title race.

Madrid will face city rivals Atlético in just three days at the Santiago Bernabéu. Six days later, title challengers Girona will visit, the same team Madrid overtook tonight with this win. The pressure continues, as Madrid will then travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League Round of 16, followed by tough league fixtures against Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla to close out the month.

While tonight’s win was vital, Ancelotti will view it as just one step in a demanding stretch of six matches that could define Madrid’s season.

Player of the Match: Joselu (Real Madrid)

The 33-year-old forward was a constant danger throughout the game, always making himself available with clever runs and positioning in the penalty area. His first goal was expertly taken, heading the ball down into the ground to beat Soria. His second goal was even more impressive, controlling the ball with a perfect first touch before firing it home. He also showed his unselfish side, setting up Vinícius Jr. for a chance in the second half that could have resulted in an assist, though the Brazilian couldn’t finish. Joselu’s performance was crucial for Madrid’s victory.

Player Ratings

• Getafe
• Soria 7, Suárez 6, Duarte 6, Alderete 6, Álvarez 6, Carmona 6, Djené 6, Milla 7, Maksimović 6, Greenwood 6, Mayoral 6.

• Subs: Latasa 7, Martín 7, Rico 6, Mata N/A, Santiago N/A.

• Real Madrid
• Lunin 7, Mendy 7, Nacho 7, Rüdiger 6, Vázquez 8, Valverde 7, Tchouaméni 7, Bellingham 7, Modrić 7, Vini Jr 7, Joselu 9.

• Subs: Camavinga 7, Rodrygo 7, Carvajal N/A, Díaz N/A.

Match Highlights

• 13′ VINI JR WITH MADRID’S FIRST BIG CHANCE – Vinícius Jr. is played with a long ball over the top and controls it beautifully before going one-on-one with Soria. His shot lacks power, allowing Soria to save comfortably. This near miss shows how easily Madrid can break through Getafe’s defense.
• 14′ GOAL! GETAFE 0-1 REAL MADRID (JOSELU) – Madrid deservedly take the lead. Lucas Vázquez delivers a pinpoint cross, and Joselu powers his header into the ground and past Soria to make it 1-0.
• 39′ A BIG SAVE FROM SORIA! – Vázquez again finds space down the right and delivers another great cross to Joselu. His first-time shot is brilliantly pushed around the post by Soria to deny Madrid a second.
• 52′ GREENWOOD STRIKES THE POST – Mason Greenwood comes close for Getafe, hitting the post with a strong effort, marking their best game chance.
• 57′ GOAL! GETAFE 0-2 REAL MADRID (JOSELU) – Joselu doubles Madrid’s lead, controlling a perfect pass from Vinícius Jr. before rifling a powerful left-footed shot past Soria to make it 2-0.
• 73′ MAYORAL HITS THE WOODWORK! – A defensive lapse from Madrid allows the ball to fall to Borja Mayoral, who fires a fierce shot onto the post. Getafe nearly pulls one back but is denied by the woodwork.

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