Real Madrid took a significant step forward in their La Liga campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday night. While the scoreline might suggest a routine outing, the performance was far from convincing. With a crucial Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looming, Ancelotti opted for a slightly rotated squad, aiming to preserve energy while securing the three points. The result? A functional, rather than flamboyant, display—just enough to get the job done.
The man between the sticks, Thibaut Courtois, returned to action with a solid performance that reminded fans of his immense value. Although largely untroubled for most of the evening, the Belgian delivered two vital saves late in the match to maintain Real’s slim advantage. Those interventions were a timely confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes clash against their Catalan rivals.
On the defensive flank, Fran García took the spotlight as left-back and didn’t disappoint. The Spaniard had little defending to do against a passive Getafe attack, which allowed him to push forward frequently. His pace and attacking intent offered Real some much-needed width, though his end product still leaves room for improvement.
David Alaba’s return to the starting lineup was short-lived. The Austrian veteran, who has struggled with injuries all season, had to come off at halftime after experiencing discomfort in his left leg. It was a concerning sight for fans and coaching staff alike, especially considering his leadership at the back.
In Alaba’s absence, Raul Asencio stepped up admirably. The Spanish defender showed composure and agility, filling in with minimal fuss. His anticipation and positioning kept Getafe at bay, and his performance could earn him more minutes if Alaba’s injury proves serious.
On the right side, Lucas Vázquez captained the side and put in a diligent, no-nonsense display. At 33, the veteran may not bomb forward as he once did, but his defensive work was disciplined. Vázquez held his line well and helped secure the clean sheet without taking unnecessary risks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni had a night to forget. The Frenchman, deployed both in midfield and briefly as a center-back, looked out of sorts. His positioning was suspect, and he was slow to react to danger. With the Copa final just days away, Ancelotti will be hoping this performance was an anomaly rather than a trend.
Federico Valverde was his usual industrious self, even if he didn’t quite hit top gear. The Uruguayan covered ground tirelessly, ensuring midfield stability. It was evident, however, that he was conserving energy for the weekend, avoiding full-throttle sprints or risky tackles.
Brahim Díaz failed to influence the game significantly in the first half. Stationed in central areas, the Moroccan international seemed isolated and struggled to get on the ball. He did improve slightly after the break, showing more drive and willingness to take on defenders, but overall it was a subdued outing.
If there was one standout in Real’s midfield, it was undoubtedly Arda Güler. The Turkish sensation showcased his technical brilliance, scoring the only goal of the match with a classy finish. Beyond the goal, Güler oozed creativity and composure. This performance could very well push him into Ancelotti’s plans for the Copa del Rey final.
Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, was kept on a short leash. With Saturday’s final in mind, the Brazilian refrained from his usual explosive dribbles. He did, however, show flashes of brilliance and forced Getafe’s defense to stay alert throughout. The expectation is that he’ll unleash his full potential against Barcelona.
Alongside him, Endrick continued to impress. The 18-year-old striker may not have found the net, but his movement, strength, and football intelligence stood out. He dragged defenders out of position and opened up space for others. His maturity is remarkable for his age, and Real fans can be excited about what’s to come.
Ancelotti’s decision to rotate key players paid off—just barely. The Italian tactician prioritized preserving energy over spectacle, and the players responded with discipline. While not the most entertaining performance, it was efficient enough to keep pace with title rivals.
The narrow win also underlines Real’s increasing reliance on young talents. With Güler and Endrick stepping up and delivering when needed, the club’s future looks bright. These young stars are learning to grind out results—a vital trait in championship teams.
This match also served as a psychological rehearsal for Saturday. By avoiding injuries and managing minutes, Real Madrid may now enter the Copa del Rey final with a fresher squad and renewed confidence, thanks in part to the calm and composed showing in Getafe.
But the truth remains: Real Madrid must be sharper if they are to lift silverware this weekend. Against Barcelona, a bare minimum will not suffice. The team will need energy, precision, and the killer instinct they momentarily tucked away at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
In conclusion, Wednesday night was a case of business done—no more, no less. A win, a clean sheet, and a reminder that even on a quiet night, this team knows how to deliver results when it counts.
