Real Madrid extended their unbeaten run after international breaks to five years with a hard-fought victory over Getafe on Sunday. The Merengues clinched the win thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s solitary goal, despite a lackluster performance that saw Getafe reduced to nine men in the second half. This match served as a reminder of the challenges Real Madrid must overcome, even against lower-ranked teams.
In recent weeks, Real Madrid has shown signs of inconsistency, yet they managed to secure all three points against a resilient Getafe side. The match was marked by defensive struggles and missed opportunities, raising questions about the team’s form as they head into a crucial part of the season. With this victory, Madrid remains in the hunt for top honors in La Liga, but the path ahead appears fraught with potential pitfalls.
Player Performances Under Scrutiny
Thibaut Courtois had a relatively quiet evening, only needing to make one significant save late in the game to preserve the lead. His long passes were less effective than usual, but his decisive action in stoppage time proved vital. Federico Valverde displayed glimpses of returning form, contributing both defensively and offensively with key passes and movements that opened up play.
On the other hand, Eder Militao struggled throughout the match, frequently losing possession and exhibiting excessive aggression in tackles. David Alaba, returning to the starting lineup for just the second time in six months, showed promise before being substituted at halftime. Meanwhile, Aurélien Tchouaméni‘s performance raised eyebrows as he appeared out of sync early on but improved as the match progressed.
Mbappé Shines Amidst Struggles
Kylian Mbappé was once again the standout player for Real Madrid. After a frustrating first half where he failed to convert opportunities, he broke the deadlock with a well-timed finish following an assist from Arda Güler. This marked his fifteenth goal in just eleven appearances this season—a statistic that underscores his importance to the team. His ability to turn matches around is becoming increasingly vital for Madrid’s title aspirations.
Other players like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes failed to make a significant impact during the match, with Bellingham struggling for consistency since his return from injury and Rodrygo’s miscommunication with Mbappé hampering their attacking fluidity. Xabi Alonso‘s tactical decisions were also questioned as he continues to experiment with lineups this season.
The substitutes made some contributions late in the game, particularly Güler, who provided creativity and an assist that proved crucial for securing the win. However, overall performances from the bench were mixed and will need improvement as Real Madrid prepares for upcoming fixtures.
The challenge for Real Madrid now is to build on this victory and find consistency in their play. With key matches on the horizon, can they maintain their momentum? The pressure is on as they aim for glory both domestically and in Europe.


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