Arda Guler’s Strike Lifts Real Madrid to Key Victory in Tense Getafe Clash
No one expected Real Madrid to cruise through their latest La Liga assignment against Getafe, especially with one eye on the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. But Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad, gambled a bit, and walked away with three priceless points thanks to a single, sharp moment from Arda Guler.
Madrid's lineup, featuring Courtois returning between the posts, surprised some fans. Lucas Vazquez, Asencio, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia formed the defensive wall. In midfield, Ancelotti paired Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, while exciting young talents Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz added flair just behind the frontline. Up top, it was a fresh partnership: Endrick, whose place in Madrid has stirred curiosity, and the ever-dangerous Vinicius Jr. Even with Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger available on the bench, Ancelotti kept his core rested, mindful of a stacked fixture list and that mouthwatering cup final looming large.
Real Madrid needed early momentum, and Guler delivered in style in the 20th minute. Picking up the ball at the edge of the box, the Turkish playmaker found space and curled a shot past Getafe’s David Soria. That goal was all it took, but Madrid couldn’t make their dominance count on the scoreboard. The rest of the match turned scrappy, as Getafe, fighting for every blade of grass at home, tightened up and forced Madrid to push hard for that insurance goal—which never came.
If this looked like a risk by Ancelotti, leaving out stars like Bellingham and even Kylian Mbappe (back in training but not ready for action), it was a necessary one. The stretch ahead is brutal: five league games left, and the Copa del Rey showdown on the horizon. Ancelotti knew the challenge, mixing experienced pros like Alaba and Tchouameni with youngsters hungry to prove themselves. It’s that balance of grit and freshness Madrid hopes will pay off in both league and cup.
Getafe Battle Hard But Can’t Find a Way Through
Getafe lined up with Soria guarding the net, supported by a five-man defense: Iglesias, Duarte, Berrocal, Alderete, and Djene. The midfield saw Milla, Terrats, Arambarri, and Bernat, all tasked with both shielding and linking play. Borja Mayoral was left isolated up front, expected to pounce on rare Madrid mistakes. On the bench, there were options like Letacek, Sola, and Yildirim, but coach José Bordalás stuck to his system, counting on frustration and quick counters to bring a result.
The plan almost paid off late in the second half as Getafe pressed higher. Courtois had to stay alert for a couple of close calls, and Madrid's defenders faced more pressure as the clock ticked down. But resiliency was the name of the game for the visitors. The likes of Vazquez and Alaba snuffed out crosses, and Tchouameni shielded his defense well when Getafe tried to creep into the box.
This win leaves Madrid on 72 points, just four off leaders Barcelona with five matches to go. Every point feels massive now, and Ancelotti’s strategy—rotating the squad but still grabbing results—shows he’s playing the long game. The title race and cup hunt are both very much alive, and Madrid’s mix of youth, experience, and tactical planning keeps fans guessing just what’s possible before the season wraps up.
