LaLiga: Bellingham and Mbappe Star as Real Madrid Beat Getafe 2-0

Real Madrid moved within a point of LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Getafe, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning solo goal to help Real Madrid defeat Getafe 2-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, marking their 16th consecutive home victory against their opponents in head-to-head matches.

Real Madrid's win propelled them to within a single point of the top of the LaLiga table. The pressure was on Los Blancos to secure a victory, especially after league leaders Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday. Despite being plagued by injuries, Real Madrid rose to the challenge, moving closer to their arch-rivals than seemed possible just a few weeks ago.

Getafe, riding a wave of consecutive wins for the first time since December 2023, presented a formidable challenge to Real Madrid. The visitors' defensive solidity limited Carlo Ancelotti's team to scarce opportunities in the opening 25 minutes, as Getafe dug in and frustrated their hosts.

The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the 30th minute when Antonio Rudiger was fouled by Allan Nyom in the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Jude Bellingham took on the responsibility, calmly converting the penalty with ease. This seemed to spark Kylian Mbappe, who doubled Real Madrid's lead shortly after with a spectacular 20-yard finish, courtesy of a pinpoint through ball from Bellingham.

The away section breathed a collective sigh of relief just minutes into the second half, as the referee reversed his initial penalty decision against Juan Berrocal following a VAR review.

Getafe then launched a rare attack, with Christantus Uche's powerful shot striking the post as the hour mark approached. Manager Jose Bordalas, who had lost all five of his previous encounters against Carlo Ancelotti, looked perplexed as his team struggled to capitalize on this chance.

Instead, Real Madrid appeared more likely to score again. Federico Valverde forced a solid save from Soria, while Kylian Mbappe inexplicably failed to add to his tally with the goal at his mercy.

Getafe's John Patrick hit the woodwork late in the game, but the Azulones ultimately succumbed to their third defeat in four matches, leaving them just one spot above the relegation zone. Real Madrid, meanwhile, closed the gap to the top of the table to just a single point, while retaining a game in hand.