Real Madrid quickly recovered from their defeat to Liverpool (0-2). They defeated Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu with a 2-0 victory. Just as important for Carlo Ancelotti, the missed penalty at Anfield left no lingering effects on Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman scored a stunning goal in the 38th minute with a sharp strike from outside the box. It doubled Madrid’s lead, which had been established about ten minutes earlier when Jude Bellingham converted from the penalty spot. It was the Englishman who sent a brilliant pass to Mbappé for his goal. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker made a smart run ahead of Juan Iglesias and, without hesitation, fired a shot that bounced off the post and into the net.As usual, José Bordalás’ team played rough, committing frequent fouls (19 in just an hour of play), but this time it didn’t help them avoid defeat. In fact, after Antonio Rüdiger was dragged down twice during a corner kick, referee Alejandro Hernández awarded Madrid a penalty. It was Bellingham’s third goal of the season. He confidently struck the penalty down the middle and, after the second half, made way for Arda Güler. The Turkish youngester who has recently been vocal about his lack of playing time, has seen more action from Ancelotti, starting the previous two matches.What a goal from Mbappe pic.twitter.com/gjq8k9f87q— Editi Peter (@EditiPeter) December 1, 2024 Kylian Mbappé also exuded confidence. The French striker was in fine form during this 15th-round La Liga match. Early in the second half, his shot was blocked by Juan Berrocal’s hand, but after consulting VAR, the referee decided against awarding another penalty to Madrid. Mbappé later delivered a brilliant pass over Getafe’s defense to Brahim Díaz, but the Moroccan international shot over the bar. In the 76th minute, Mbappé had a one-on-one chance with David Soria. Although he rounded the goalkeeper, he lost his balance and sent the ball wide. In a similar situation later, Getafe’s goalkeeper managed to stop him. Getafe came closest to scoring ten minutes into the second half when Christanthus Uche hit the post. In the final ten minutes, Diego Rico narrowly missed the target with a long-range strike. For the first time in 10 games, Getafe conceded more than two goals. Being a defensively oriented team, it was clear after the first half that avoiding another defeat to Real Madrid—six in a row—would be challenging.This victory brought Real Madrid within one point of league leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand against Valencia. The routine win allows Carlo Ancelotti to calmly prepare his team for their upcoming four away matches: against Athletic Bilbao, Girona, and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, as well as Atalanta in the Champions League. The match in Bergamo will be crucial for Real Madrid’s final standing in the unique group stage, where they are currently at risk of missing out on the next phase of the elite competition.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 15Friday Mallorca – Valencia 2-1 (1-1)/Larin 45+3, Prats 81 – Rioja 32 pen/SaturdayBarcelona – Las Palmas 1-2 (0-0)/Raphinha 61 – Ramirez 49, Silva 67/Alaves – Leganes 1-1 (0-0)/Vicente 88 – Rodriguez 67/Espanyol – Celta 3-1 (1-0)/Cardona 40, Cabrera 53, Cheddira 87 – Aspas 83 pen/Valladolid – Atl.Madrid 0-5 (0-3)/Lenglet 26, Alvarez 35, De Paul 37, Griezmann 52, Sorloth 90+2/Sunday Villarreal – Girona 2-2 (1-0)/Barry 23, Baena 46 – Van de Beek 66, Krejci 90+7/Real Madrid – Getafe 2-0 (2-0)/Bellingham 30 pen, Mbappe 38/20.30: (2.90) Rayo Vallecano (3.00) Ath.Bilbao (2.70)23.00: (1.80) Sociedad (3.60) Betis (5.10)Monday 23.00: (2.15) Sevilla (3.30) Osasuna (3.50)***odds are subject to change***
