Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid secured a 1:0 away victory over Getafe with an 80th-minute goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 9th round of La Liga
- Getafe finished with nine men after both Nyom (78th minute) and Alex Sancres (84th minute) were sent off for fouls on Vinícius Júnior
- Next Sunday, Real Madrid will host Barcelona in El Clásico as La Liga leaders
Match Analysis: Real Labour Against Stubborn Getafe
Real Madrid were made to work hard for their 1:0 victory over Getafe, overcoming significant challenges to reclaim the top position in La Liga. The encounter, played at the Coliseum, was defined by Getafe’s steadfast defensive organisation and aggressive pressing, which caught the visitors off guard during the early stages. Getafe’s tactical setup, with three central defenders, and an unexpectedly assertive start, limited Real’s clear opportunities, forcing the favourites to attempt long-range efforts, including a notable strike from Aurélien Tchouaméni.
🤍📈 Kylian Mbappé scores again and Real Madrid remain La Liga leaders!
Who’s been your Man of the Match? pic.twitter.com/pUgYDKMJPJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2025
A potentially controversial moment arose in the 24th minute, when Getafe players appealed for a penalty after a challenge on Alex Sancres, but referee José Munuera Montero saw no infringement. The first half ended goalless despite a late flurry of efforts, with David Soria producing a fine save from David Alaba’s free-kick before Federico Valverde was denied on the rebound.
Vinícius Júnior’s Introduction and Game-Changing Red Cards
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were missing Vinícius Júnior from the starting line-up, as both he and Arda Güler began on the bench, while David Alaba partnered Éder Militão in central defence before being replaced by Raúl Asensio at half-time following his return from injury.
The visitors stepped up their efforts after Vinícius entered the fray in the 55th minute, but Getafe continued to frustrate Madrid until the match turned in dramatic fashion in the final quarter. In the 77th minute, Allan Nyom, who had only just come onto the pitch, was dismissed with a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident involving Vinícius. Just two minutes later, Real capitalised on their numerical superiority as Kylian Mbappé netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute, courtesy of a precise pass from Arda Güler.
The pressure increased further for Getafe in the 84th minute when Alex Sancres was shown a second yellow card for another foul on the influential Vinícius, reducing the hosts to nine men. Despite this, Getafe nearly salvaged a dramatic point in stoppage time, with Abou Camara going one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper produced a crucial save to preserve the victory.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Goals | Red Cards | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getafe | 0 | 2 (Nyom 78′, Sancres 84′) | Penalty appeal rejected (24′), Camara shot saved (90+6′) |
| Real Madrid | 1 (Mbappé 80′) | 0 | Vinícius involved in both Getafe red cards, Courtois late save |
Team Selection and Upcoming Fixtures
Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler’s starting roles were handed to other players as tactical surprises, with Alaba and Militão forming the initial central defensive partnership. The home side’s adaptation, switching to three central defenders, appeared effective until disciplinary issues cost them dearly.
This result ensures Real Madrid remain top of the table ahead of their highly anticipated home derby against Barcelona next Sunday. Before the El Clásico, the Spanish giants will face Juventus on Wednesday in a critical Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabéu.
