Los Blancos were in danger to suffer back-to-back home defeats for the first time since March 2019 but beating relegation-battling Getafe was exactly what the doctor ordered. Real Madrid routinely restored their lead at the top of La Liga to twelve points with a 2-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu.Maybe it does not make much sense but Carlo Ancelotti’s job reportedly hangs in the balance – despite their favourable advantage in the title race and fine Champions League form. On the pitch tonight, it was business as usual for the league leaders – they controlled the tempo of the game from the get-go and saw in-form Karim Benzema terrorize Getafe’s backline. In the 4th minute, the Frenchman put the ball in the back of the net but the assistant raised his flag and cut the celebrations short.Mallorca push toothless Atletico away from the topAs Real Madrid’s team looked to crack open the relegation-threatened Getafe defence as quickly as possible, the squad’s chemistry was on full display. Lucas Vázquez and Federico Valverde were left unmarked inside the area but ended up with their heads in their hands as they squandered clear-cut chances for the home team.Los Blancos ultimately found a breakthrough in the 38th minute as they were seeking to avoid a repeat of their 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. Casemiro nodded in to put the league leaders ahead after Vinícius Júnior’s inch-perfect outside-of-the-boot cross.Getafe struggled to impose themselves on the fixture and offered very little. At the interval, Quique Sánchez Flores made a double change, looking to mastermind a comeback to get his side back on level terms. As Real continued their onslaught as they fought to extend their advantage to bury the game once and for all – Flores’ actions had little to zero effect on proceedings.After the hour-mark, Valverde came closest to doubling the home side’s advantage with a long-range free kick that sailed wide past the post. It all came just before Vázquez greeted Rodrygo’s precise pass and rammed the ball home to give the hosts a two-goal lead.An almighty scare in stoppage time came for the Royal Club when Enes Ünal rattled the post with a wicked effort, but Real held on for all three points. Getafe’s woes continue, as they are yet to register a victory on the road in La Liga this campaign. Real Madrid, on the other hand, remain in cruise control, riding out the final stages of the contest.LA LIGA – ROUND 31FridaySevilla – Granada 4-2 (1-1)/Diego Carlos 32, Ocampos 66, Mir 90+3, Papu Gomez 90+9 – Machis 23, Diaz 88/SaturdayCadiz – Betis 1-2 (0-0)/Alejo 58 – Tello 78, Iglesias 85 pen/Mallorca – Atl.Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/Muriqi 68 pen/Villareal – Ath.Bilbao 1-1 (0-1)/Pedraza 60 – Garcia 43/Real Madrid – Getafe 2-0 (1-0)/Casemiro 38, Lucas 68/Sunday15:00: (2.00) Osasuna (3.40) Alaves (4.30)17:15: (2.95) Espanyol (3.10) Celta (2.75)19:30: (4.00) Elche (3.35) Sociedad (2.10)22:00: (7.75) Levante (4.80) Barcelona (1.45)Monday22:00: (2.40) Rayo Vallecano (3.20) Valencia (3.35)***odds are subject to change***
