Arda Güler’s thunderous first-half strike and Thibaut Courtois’ late heroics stored Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes alive with a gritty 1-0 win at Getafe on Wednesday, trimming the hole behind league leaders Barcelona to 4 factors – simply days earlier than El Clasico within the Copa del Rey closing.
With Barça having edged Mallorca 1-0 on Tuesday, the stress was on Carlo Ancelotti’s shuffled aspect – that includes six adjustments from their dramatic victory over Athletic Bilbao.
The Italian tactician dropped Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Rodrygo, and Antonio Rudiger to the bench, opting to offer uncommon begins to youthful legs like 18-year-old Endrick and Turkish sensation Güler. Both rewarded his religion.
The breakthrough got here within the twenty first minute.
After a Getafe nook was cleared, Vinicius Jr. sparked a counterattack, and although Brahim Diaz was swarmed, the ball rolled out to Güler, who rifled a low 22-yard strike that David Soria couldn’t hold out – regardless of getting a glove on it.
It was the 19-year-old’s fourth aim this season and the defining second in a scrappy contest.
Endrick practically doubled the lead minutes later after a one-two with Vinicius, however Djene Dakonam cleared the Brazilian’s shot off the road.
Fran Garcia, full of life all through, compelled an early save from Soria and blasted the rebound excessive.
Diaz additionally examined Soria once more as Madrid managed the half.
At the opposite finish, Getafe had their probabilities. Luis Milla’s early effort was dealt with by Courtois, and within the second half, Mauro Arambarri fluffed a golden alternative to equalize – dragging his shot vast when clear by.
The closing minutes had been drenched in drama. Peter Federico’s intelligent flick practically leveled within the ninetieth, however Courtois flew low to protect the win. Then, with just about the final kick, Álvaro Rodriguez – a Madrid loanee – stung Courtois’ gloves in a symbolic conflict towards his dad or mum membership.
But Madrid’s win got here with a value. Both Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba limped off, casting doubt over their availability for Saturday’s Copa showdown in Seville. Ancelotti confirmed the pair are “likely out” with muscle soreness.
Meanwhile, Barcelona await with recent legs and probably a returning Kylian Mbappe.
The two giants will lock horns once more in La Liga on May 11 – and if Wednesday’s gritty survival was any indication, Madrid will limp into Seville nonetheless swinging.
Elsewhere in Spain, Inaki Williams’ early aim powered Athletic Bilbao to a 1-0 win over Las Palmas, conserving them fourth within the race for Champions League qualification.
Villarreal’s 3-0 loss at Celta Vigo widened the hole to eight factors. Bilbao additionally face Manchester United within the Europa League semifinals, the place a victory would guide them a closing at San Mames.
Real Sociedad’s slip towards Alaves, who climbed out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win, added extra warmth to the basement battle.
Real Betis, only a level behind Villarreal, face last-place Valladolid on Thursday with Europe in sight.
Source: www.dailysabah.com