Imperial since the start of the season, Real Madrid hosted Getafe, this Saturday at 4:15 p.m., during the 4th day of La Liga. After successes against Athletic Bilbao, Almeria and Celta de Vigo, the Merengues, placed in Group C with Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin in the group stage of the Champions League , were aiming for the four out of four to stay at the top of the standings. For its part, the club from the southern suburbs of Madrid, thirteenth at kick-off (a win, a draw and a defeat), wanted to create a sensation on the lawn of the Santiago Bernabéu. For this meeting, Carlo Ancelotti, deprived of Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, Arda Güler, Ferland Mendy or even Eder Militao, lined up a 4-3-3 with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo in support of Joselu.
Real surprised from the start!
Opposite, the Azulones, determined to counter the Madrid armada, presented themselves in 5-3-2 with Borja Mayoral and Juanmi Latasa at the forefront. In the midfield, Nemanja Maksimovic and Djnene accompanied Carles Alena. After a guard of honor of 22 players for the Spanish world champions, Real quickly took control of this part but were surprised… Taking advantage of a misunderstanding between Alaba and Garcia on a harmless pass, Mayoral recovered the leather and deceived Kepa (0-1, 11th). Stunned but far from resigned, Casa Blanca reacted and tried to circumvent the defensive block of Getafe. Alerted on the left, Rodrygo then armed a heavy strike but his attempt went well above the cage of Soria (17th). A few moments later, Bellingham, well offset by Modric, infiltrated the surface before being unbalanced. If Mario Melero Lopez indicated the penalty spot directly, the latter finally reconsidered his decision after consulting the VAR (25th)?
Dangerous, Real Madrid continued to put pressure on the opposing defense. Once again found on the left side, Rodrygo took his chance but his strike was pushed back. Opportunistic, Joselu recovered the ball but his shot was also deflected (29th). In the process, Fran Garcia found Modric but the Croatian saw his diving header diverted by Soria (32nd). Just before the break, Joselu created a new big chance but his point-blank shot was again stopped by Soria, author of a magnificent reflex save on his line (40th). Despite a new strike from Camavinga (44th) and Madrid’s disputes with the referee after two new contacts on Bellingham (42nd, 45 + 2nd), Real found themselves behind at the break.
Jude Bellingham changes everything!
Upon returning from the locker room, Ancelotti reacted. Kroos replaced Camavinga and Nacho Fernandez replaced Fran Garcia. Two changes that were quick to take effect… On a poorly cleared ball by the Getafe defense, Modric found Joselu with an outside right foot. Well placed, the 33-year-old Spanish striker concluded perfectly at close range (1-1, 47th). Carried by this equalizer, the people of Madrid went back on the attack and Kroos found the post of Soria (54th). Asphyxiated, Getafe managed, despite everything, to show themselves on the merengues goals. Well found in the area, Alena, lonely, finally saw his left shot repelled by Kepa (57th). A rhythmic opposition where the locals distinguished themselves again. On a subtle deviation from Joseulu, Rodrygo armed a half-volley but the Brazilian lacked precision (61st).
Determined to take the lead to afford a fourth success, Real increased their pressure. Served in depth by Bellingham, Carvajal tried his hand but found, in turn, the post of Soria (65th). Taking advantage of a bad recovery from the defense of Getafe, Joselu, meanwhile, armed a heavy strike but the last rampart of the Azulones intervened again and again (66th). In the last quarter of an hour, Real continued to be pressing. However, despite the entry into play of Brahim Diaz, Lucas Vazquez or even Federico Valverde, the score did not change (1-1). Yes, but here it is, this start to the season is that of a certain Jude Bellingham, who has been impressive since his arrival in the Spanish capital. Opportunistic following a strike from Lucas Vasquez from 30 meters, badly repelled by Soria, the former Dortmund player, on the lookout, released his team after additional time (2-1, 90 + 5th). In the standings, Real, which will host Real Sociedad the next day, retains the lead. For its part, Getafe, which will host Osasuna on September 17, remains stuck in thirteenth place.
