Real Madrid’s hopes of snatching the LaLiga title from arch-rivals Barcelona were kept alive on Wednesday night thanks to a sublime first-half strike from Turkish starlet Arda Guler. The 19-year-old midfielder produced a composed finish from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, which proved enough to seal a nervy 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
The win leaves Los Blancos just four points behind league leaders Barcelona with five matches remaining in the season. Guler, who has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Real Madrid, took his opportunity with aplomb in a game where manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players ahead of Saturday’s crucial Copa del Rey final against Barça.
Rotated Real Madrid Dominates but Lacks Cutting Edge
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to an ankle injury picked up in the Champions League defeat to Arsenal, and stars like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Luka Modric, Antonio Rüdiger, and Eduardo Camavinga benched, Real Madrid still managed to dominate proceedings. Despite bossing possession and spending long spells camped in Getafe’s half, the visitors struggled to add to Guler’s opener.
Vinícius Júnior was particularly lively on the left wing, forcing goalkeeper David Soria into multiple saves and playing a key role in Real Madrid’s most dangerous moments. He nearly assisted Endrick with a delightful cross in the 32nd minute, but Djené made a sensational goal-line clearance to deny the teenager his first LaLiga goal.
Second-Half Frustration and Getafe’s Growing Threat
Real Madrid maintained control after the break, with Brahim Díaz and Vinícius again testing Soria. However, their inability to double the lead opened the door for Getafe to grow into the game. As the visitors tired, Getafe exploited spaces on the counter and nearly punished Real Madrid’s wastefulness.
Mauro Arambarri missed the hosts’ best chance in the 72nd minute, scuffing a close-range shot after being brilliantly set up by Borja Mayoral. The home crowd sensed an equaliser, but Real’s defense—backed by the dependable Thibaut Courtois—held firm under late pressure.
Courtois the Savior in Nervy Finale
As the match approached its dying stages, Real Madrid’s urgency to find a second goal left them exposed. Courtois twice came to their rescue, first denying Omar Alderete’s powerful header and then making a reflex save from Juanmi’s effort in stoppage time. The Belgian’s heroics ensured Real Madrid secured all three points and kept their faint title hopes alive.
This win marked the first time in a month that Real Madrid have strung together consecutive victories across all competitions, a timely boost ahead of their cup final showdown with Barcelona.
Eyes on the Prize: Copa Final Looms Large
Though the victory was narrow, it provides a crucial momentum boost heading into the Copa del Rey final. With the league title still mathematically possible and a domestic cup on the line, Ancelotti must now manage his squad smartly to balance ambition with endurance.
Real Madrid now sit second in the table on 72 points, comfortably ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand. While the title race remains in Barcelona’s hands, Guler’s breakthrough performance has added fresh energy to a team still chasing silverware on multiple fronts.
