A Sergio Ramos penalty was enough for Real Madrid to see off local rivals Getafe in La Liga on Thursday night.
Real Madrid took a step closer to the 2019/20 La Liga title, as they defeated Getafe 1-0 at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano this midweek.
Both teams had great chances in the first period, but were denied by some top-notch goalkeeping as David Soria denied both Vinicius Junior while Thibaut Courtois made to a stop to keep out Xabier Etxeita.
The hosts showed greater control after the break and kept the pressure on Jose Bordalas’s men, which finally paid off when Dani Carvajal was fouled in the box in the 78th minute. Up stepped captain Sergio Ramos and dispatched a nerveless penalty. Getafe could not muster up any fight from thereon, as Real Madrid held on for three points.
? FT: @realmadriden 1-0 @GetafeCF
⚽ @SergioRamos 79' (p)#Emirates | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/FGWkIz1CeV— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) July 2, 2020
The win sees Real Madrid stretch their lead over second-placed Barcelona to four points with five games left to be played in La Liga. Here’s how we rated the performances of Zinedine Zidane’s men on Thursday night.
Thibaut Courtois: 8/10
Another clutch performance from the Belgian shot-stopper. Pulled off important stops to deny Etxeita and Jaime Mata in the first half. Had little to do after the break, though, with his team controlling the proceedings. Leading contender for the Zamora Trophy.
Dani Carvajal: 8/10
Picked up a booking within fifteen minutes after kickoff after taking out Marc Cucurella. Kept his discipline for the rest of the game. Solid at the back, as he chipped in with important blocks and interceptions with regularity, while he was equally effective going forward. Fouled inside the box after a brilliant run, leading to the penalty which Sergio Ramos converted.
Raphael Varane: 6/10
Made an assured start to the game, amid intense pressure from the visitors. However, Varane lasted just 30 minutes on the pitch as he had to be taken off after the ball hit his face from a Getafe corner kick.
Sergio Ramos: 8/10
Goals since Football Resumed :
Sergio Ramos : 4
Lionel Messi : 3 @SergioRamos ? pic.twitter.com/vYfLNRADe1— Fede Valverde¹⁵ ?? (@KingFedValverde) July 3, 2020
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The Real Madrid captain stepped up once again when the team needed him. Crucial to Real Madrid securing a clean sheet as he kept the Getafe forwards at bay, using his physicality to good effect. Did well to guide Eder Militao through the game, after Varane was subbed off.
On the prowl to join attacks when the opportunities presented themselves and helped create a chance for Isco. Made no mistake from the penalty spot to score the only goal of the game. A captain’s performance from the veteran Spaniard.
Ferland Mendy: 6/10
A bit of a mixed bag for the Frenchman, who found it difficult to deal with Getafe’s high press and lost possession on way too many occasions. But, he defended well under pressure from the likes of Allan Nyom and Damian Suarez, winning 12 ground duels on the night. Apart from a fine cross to create a chance for Vinicius, didn’t offer much in the attacking sense.
Luka Modric: 6/10
The ageing legs of the veteran Croat found it tough to cope against the high press of Getafe at times. Wasn’t afforded the space and time to dictate play in the final third, but he was still his usual composed self on the ball. Had a half-decent effort at goal in the second period, before being substituted.
Casemiro: 7.5/10
Another fine performance in the middle of the park from the Brazilian international, who was always alert to snuff out any danger that came his way. Made a team-high six clearances on the night, while also winning three aerial duels and nine ground duels.
Toni Kroos: 6.5/10
Getafe’s intense pressing didn’t allow the German pass master to dictate the play for Real Madrid like he does more often than not. Lacked the incision that was needed to break through the visitors’ defence. Influence grew in the second period and it coincided with the hosts’ increased control on the game.
Isco: 5/10
Apart from forcing a save from David Soria in the first period, the Spaniard did very little of note on the night. Lacked sharpness in his passing in the final third, while Getafe’s tactics meant he had very little spaces to work with. Subbed off for Rodrygo.
Karim Benzema: 6/10
Not at his best as he was often isolated at the top, which forced him to drop deep to get involved in the build-up. Had a couple of wayward efforts from decent positions. Played a role in the lead-up to penalty as it was his pass that released Carvajal on the flank.
Vinicius Junior: 5/10
The Brazilian never really got going on the night, with Getafe doing a good job of keeping him under check. A quiet outing apart from the fine effort in the first half that was saved by Soria. Subbed off for Asensio after the hour mark.
SUBSTITUTES
Eder Militao: 6/10
Replaced the injured Varane in the first half. Defended steadily for large parts, although there were a few moments when he looked a liability.
Marco Asensio: 6.5/10
Thrown in for the final half an hour in place of Vinicius. Lively in his cameo and set Benzema up for a chance soon after he came on, but the Frenchman failed to make the most of it.
Federico Valverde: 6.5/10
Replaced Modric in the 63rd minute. Added some much-needed energy and legs in midfield. Pushed forward when the opportunity presented, while he also helped out at the back.
Rodrygo Goes: 6/10
Came on for Isco a little after the hour mark. Looked lively and made a few dangerous runs. But end product was missing.
Mariano Diaz: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Benzema. Booked.
