MY ACCOUNT
Real Madrid leapfrogged Barcelona to the LaLiga summit as Eder Militao’s thumping header secured a 1-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.
Los Blancos dropped points in the league for the first time last weekend when they drew 1-1 with Osasuna, but they bounced back to winning ways at Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
The only goal of the game was scored after just three minutes when Militao powered home Luka Modric’s left-wing corner from close range – the Brazil international’s first goal of the season.
The result saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men jump above Barcelona, who they face next weekend, into top spot, although Xavi’s men will usurp them if they beat Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Madrid wasted little time stamping their authority on the game as Militao stole in at the near post to convert Modric’s corner from three yards.
Fabrizio Angileri flashed narrowly wide for Getafe soon after, while at the other end David Soria kept out a header from Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian was awarded a penalty shortly before half-time after being brought down by Luis Milla, but referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz reversed his decision after VAR spotted that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
The second half started at a frantic pace, with Soria denying Aurelien Tchouameni and Andriy Lunin getting down quickly to keep out Carles Alena’s strike inside the opening minutes.
Madrid were denied a second goal shortly before the hour mark as VAR spotted Rodrygo was offside before his cool finish over Soria, but it mattered little in the end as Madrid saw the game out to seal all three points.
What does it mean? Stubborn defence helps Los Blancos to victory
Madrid were winless in their last two visits to Getafe, failing to score in both, so Ancelotti will be relieved they took maximum points against their neighbours this time.
The Italian will also be pleased his side kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight LaLiga games this season.
Magical Modric
Modric’s corner for Militao’s header took the Croatian maestro up to 50 assists in LaLiga. He became the sixth Madrid player to reach this tally in the competition since the 2003-04 campaign, after Karim Benzema (103), Cristiano Ronaldo (87), Marcelo (63), Toni Kroos (59) and Guti (53).
Militao shines at both ends
He ensured the headlines were his with the decisive goal, yet Militao was just as effective at the back for Madrid. The 24-year-old made a joint game-high five clearances, while no Madrid player made more than his two blocks.
What’s next?
Madrid are in Champions League action against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw on Tuesday, before El Clasico takes place on Sunday. Getafe, meanwhile, visit Rayo Vallecano on Friday.
