It was by no means pretty from Real Madrid, but it was certainly effective as they showed their fighting qualities once more to edge out Getafe in a derby day thriller. In a match played at a frenetic pace, both teams looked to attack at every opportunity as we were treated to five goals in the Coliseum. Cristiano Ronaldo put Real Madrid ahead early doors from the spot after Di Maria had been fouled, and a supreme second from Mesut Ozil looked to have put Real Madrid on course for three points after only 20 minutes.
Getafe Vs Real Madrid: Ten Man Real Madrid Hang On To Secure Victory Over Getafe
But Dani Parejo brought Getafe right back into the match on the half hour, dancing his way past Lass Diarra and Sergio Ramos, before curling a fantastic shot just insideIker Casillas’ right-hand post. Both teams then threw everything forward in a fesity encounter that saw referee Undiano Mallenco dish out ten yellow cards, including one for Getafe manager Michel.
The second half followed a similar pattern as the first, as both side committed men forward, although it was a dreadful error from Jordi Codina that ultimately put pay to his sides hopes. An awful clearance fell straight to Ozil, and with the German immediately playing in Karim Benzema, the Frenchman fed Cristiano Ronaldo, who rarely fails to find the back of the net from ten yards out.
With that goal, Mourinhos men looked on course for a vital win in their pursuit of Barcelona, but after Kaká had made his return from injury, Alvaro Arbeloa saw his second yellow card after handling Manés cross. Minutes later Juan Albin struck to put Getafe within one goal of an unlikely draw, and although they ploughed men forward in search of a third, Real Madrids ten men held out resolutely to claim the win. A superb game of football and a fitting end to the first matchday of 2011.
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