Real Madrid welcomed Getafe to town on Sunday and closed the LaLiga gap to just one point after a 2-0 win.
Scorers: Bellingham 30′ (P), Mbappé 38′
It was one-way traffic at the Santiago Bernabéu as the big names for Los Blancos delivered in front of home fans.
Following tense emotions on the pitch (the match registered 30 fouls), the opener arrived after Allan Nyom took down Antonio Rüdiger in the box.
Jude Bellingham debated with Kylian Mbappé over who would take the subsequent penalty before the Englishman’s fake shot made things 1-0.
The former Borussia Dortmund man returned the favour and set up Mbappé on the left wing. He struck from well outside the box off the right post and in for 2-0.
Getafe registered a handful of on-target efforts, but Carles Pérez, Juan Iglesias, and Coba da Costa fell short. Madrid’s dominance continued despite Bellingham being hauled off due to dizziness.
Almost every Madrid star was trying to get Mbappé on the sheet again. He missed four chances, including an open net after rounding goalkeeper David Soria. The Getafe player later denied Federico Valverde.
Despite only 30% possession of the ball, the visitors never proved down and out. A 2-0 lead was still fragile enough and the hosts had to stay on their toes defensively.
Substitute John Patrick fell inches short of putting the ball into the net as it hit off the crossbar. It was the second time Getafe hit the woodwork.
The first-half performance was inevitably enough for Real Madrid to earn all three points. They are one point behind the leaders and have a game in hand.
Getafe, meanwhile, are just outside the relegation zone in 17th.
📸 JAVIER SORIANO – AFP or licensors