Real Madrid missed the chance to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona after a 1-0 home defeat to Getafe CF.
Martin Satriano’s stunning first-half volley settled the contest and left Madrid four points behind Barca after 26 games. The loss marks a second successive league defeat for the hosts. Satriano struck just before halftime, meeting the ball with a breathtaking volley that flew into the top corner beyond Thibaut Courtois. The goal silenced the Bernabeu.
“It was a special goal, but the most important thing was the three points,” Satriano said. “We defended as a team and believed in our moment.”
Madrid Struggle Without Mbappe
Madrid, again without injured forward Kylian Mbappe, struggled to break down a resolute Getafe defence.
Vinicius Junior squandered a clear chance when denied one-on-one by goalkeeper David Soria before the decisive strike. After the break, Antonio Rudiger headed narrowly wide and substitute Rodrygo glanced an effort across goal, but the equaliser never came.
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa reacted with three substitutions early in the second half, including the withdrawal of Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Madrid increased the tempo.
“We tried everything in the second half, but we lacked precision,” Arbeloa said. “There are no excuses. We have to respond.”
Late Red Cards And Title Race Pressure
Madrid’s frustrations deepened in stoppage time when Franco Mastantuono was sent off for dissent. Meanwhile, Getafe’s Adrian Liso also saw red for a second booking.
Arbeloa has now lost four of his 12 matches in charge and continues to contend with injuries to Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Madrid must regroup quickly ahead of Friday’s trip to Celta Vigo. League leaders Barcelona maintain control at the summit with 64 points.
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