Real Madrid welcomed Getafe to the Bernabeu on Sunday looking to record their fourth win of the La Liga season.
However, it was Getafe that took the lead in the early stages when Angel Lafita's effort found the bottom corner via a Pepe deflection.
Madrid levelled with 19 minutes on the clock when Pepe converted from close range after Miguel Angel Moya had parried a Cristiano Ronaldo effort into the defender's path.
The home side completed the turnaround in the latter stages of the first period when Ronaldo converted from the spot after Michel had handled inside the box.
Isco added Madrid's third just before the hour mark, but Getafe ended the match with 10 men after Michel saw red late on for a challenge on Jese Rodriguez.
Madrid were not finished, however, as Ronaldo scored his second in stoppage time with a clever flick from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Getafe. The home side have taken 10 points from their first four games of the season, while Getafe have made an encouraging start with one win, one draw and two defeats thus far.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Getafe, with Madrid winning four of the last five. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 4-0 win for the home side, but Getafe have enjoyed recent success over Madrid – picking up all three points in a 2-1 win in August 2012.
It would be fair to say that Madrid have been solid rather than spectacular in La Liga thus far. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Real Betis, before a strike from Karim Benzema made it six points from a possible six. They then recorded a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, but were held to a 2-2 draw by an impressive Villarreal side last time out.
Despite a fairly uneventful start in La Liga, Madrid opened their Champions League campaign in style last week. A trip to Galatasaray was expected to provide the Spanish outfit with a difficult start, but they recorded a thumping 6-1 win over the Turkish outfit, with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo putting three past the home side in Istanbul.
Gareth Bale did not start against Gala, but the Welshman certainly made his presence known when he entered the field. Ronaldo and Bale might have stolen the headlines in the last week or two, but it has also been a stunning start to the season for Isco, while Karim Benzema put in his best performance of the season in the European clash.
Of course, there is no more Mesut Ozil at Madrid, with club president Florentino Perez very vocal about the German’s move in an interview with Bernabeudigital.com this week. He said: “Ozil asked to leave the club and nobody here should be upset about it. He could not stand the pressure of Madrid.”
It will not come as much of a surprise that Madrid have won both of their league fixtures at home this season, scoring five times in the process and conceding twice. Last season, they had the second-best home record in the league with 17 wins and two draws from their 19 matches. If they are to prise the title from Barcelona, they will need to boast a similar record this time around.
The goalkeeping drama at Madrid is also showing no signs of ending with Iker Casillas, who has been playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez in the league, suffering a rib injury in the win over Galatasaray last week. It is unclear how long the Spanish goalkeeper will be out of action, but it will now be even harder for Casillas to regain his spot in the team.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID XI: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Nacho, Arbeloa; Illarramendi, Khedira; Bale, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Benzema
GETAFE XI: Moya; Arroyo, Lisandro, Alexis, Escudero; Michel, Mosquera; Leon, Lafita, Diego Castro; Miku
So there we have it. Gareth Bale comes into the Madrid XI this evening, while Angel di Maria will seemingly operate in a central position behind Karim Benzema. Iker Casillas and Xabi Alonso both miss out, with Diego Lopez and summer signing Illarramendi both starting. Getafe, meanwhile, continue with Miku, who scored twice last week, alongside Diego Castro in attack.
One man that will be facing Getafe this evening is a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. There are not many teams that the Portuguese has a bad scoring record against, but Getafe must be sick of the sight of the former Manchester United attacker, who has scored 11 goals in seven appearances against Luis Garcia’s side since joining Madrid in 2009.
Getafe, meanwhile, have taken four points from their first four games of the season. They opened with a 2-0 defeat away to Real Sociedad, before picking up their first point of the season at home to Almeria one week later. Another defeat followed as they went down 1-0 at Real Valladolid, but they did pick up all three points last time out against struggling Osasuna.
It was another solid campaign for Getafe last season as the Madrid-based outfit secured a mid-table finish in Spain's leading division. They have kept the majority of their squad together this summer, which points to another comfortable season in La Liga. However, it would be fair to say that they have stuttered in the early part of this campaign.
They found the back of the net on just 43 occasions last season, while they conceded 57 times, which was around the same total as Valencia, Sevilla and Real Betis. Pedro Leon joined the club on a permanent transfer in the summer and has been impressive in the early part of the season, but you have to worry about the lack of goals in their squad.
Getafe struggled for points on the road last season with just four wins and four draws from their 19 matches. It was their home form, which saw them win nine times, that allowed them to remain clear of the relegation zone. In truth, fixtures at places such as the Bernabeu are not going to determine how they fare this season.
To suggest that this afternoon in La Liga has not been full of goals would be putting it mildly. Real Betis played out a forgettable goalless draw with Granada earlier this afternoon. At the moment, Celta Vigo are still goalless with Villarreal in the 4pm start. However, I suspect that we will see goals in this one. Over to Bale, Ronaldo & Co.
"We will look for quick attacks, we have players with a lot of quality on the counter-attack," were the words uttered by Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti at a pre-match press conference this week. That was certainly the case against Galatasaray in the Champions League last week, while it is something that Getafe will have to be aware of this evening in the Spanish capital.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Bale comes in for his first start at the Bernabeu. The Welshman is selected in an attacking lineup that includes Ronaldo, Benzema and Di Maria. Getafe, meanwhile, leave Spanish striker Adrian Colunga on the sidelines, but Diego Castro does come into the team alongside Miku.
PREDICTION: Getafe have made a fairly encouraging start to the season, but they are really up against it this evening. The corresponding match last season ended in a 4-0 win for Madrid and I am expecting a similar score this time around. Will Bale endear himself to the Madrid faithful with his first goal in the capital?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both have 100% record after five games and Madrid will be keen to move two points behind the pair this evening. Let's hope for an entertaining La Liga fixture.
BREAKING NEWS: Bale does not start for the home side this evening. It appears that the Welshman has picked up a knock in the warm up. Isco takes his spot in the team. Big blow for the former Tottenham Hotspur winger.
Just a full-time score to bring you - Celta Vigo and Villarreal have drawn 0-0 in the 4pm start. Real Betis played out a goalless draw with Granada earlier this afternoon. What has happened to La Liga? Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in the Spanish capital. Almost an embarrassment of forward options on the field for Madrid.
In case you have just joined us - Bale was due to start for Madrid this evening, but has been replaced in the starting XI by Isco after picking up an injury in the warm-up. Early opportunity for the away side as Leon delivers a dangerous free kick into the box, but Pepe is on hand to clear, before Alexis turns a low cross into the side netting.
CHANCE! Positive start from Getafe as they force another free kick down the right, but once more Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. Moments later, Madrid come close to taking the lead as a series of pinball inside the Getafe box presents Ronaldo with an opportunity, but his low effort is cleared off the line by Lopez. End-to-end football with four minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Getafe (Lafita)
Getafe take the lead in the Spanish capital as Lafita finds himself outside the box, his effort is seemingly straight at Lopez, but it takes a deflection off Pepe before dropping into the bottom corner. It is no more than they deserve after making such a positive start in the early stages.
Madrid attempt to react instantly as Di Maria drives a low cross into the box, but Lopez is on hand to make the clearance. The home side build outside the box moments later, but Getafe have been nice and compact thus far. For the neutral at least, it has been the perfect start to the match.
Another half-chance for the away side as Leon picks up a little pocket of space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but he gets it all wrong, allowing Lopez to collect. Madrid break down the other end with Carvajal, but he loses possession before felling Michel. Getafe lead with 10 minutes on the clock at the Bernabeu.
One-way traffic in the last few moments with Madrid attempting to pass their way through the Getafe defence. Ronaldo forces the issue as he combines with Benzema before advancing into the box, but he just loses control at the vital moment. Getafe continue to retreat, which is certainly inviting Madrid to push numbers forward.
Best move of the match for the home side with Khedira, Di Maria and Benzema all involved. The latter finds Ronaldo moments later, but his attempt is blocked by Lopez. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Di Maria, but Moya comes through a host of bodies to make the clearance. No clear opportunities for the home side with 15 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
Madrid want a penalty as Arbeloa tumbles in the box, but the referee points to the linesman, who had raised his flag. I suspect that would have been given if the Spaniard was in an onside position. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with Getafe comfortable in repelling the danger.
Isco attempts to take matters into his own hands as he collects possession outside the box before finding Khedira, but it just ran away from the German at the vital moment. Getafe continue to squeeze in midfield, but they cannot keep hold of the ball. As they continue to retreat, Madrid will force numbers forward.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Getafe (Pepe)
Madrid level with 19 minutes on the clock as Pepe pounces in the box after Moya had parried a Ronaldo effort into the path of the Portuguese. Sloppy defending from Getafe, with Luis Garcia far from happy on the sidelines. We are level in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for Ronaldo to send Madrid into the lead as the Portuguese meets a deep cross from Di Maria, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the post. Getafe are holding on at the moment under constant pressure from the home side.
It is almost like a training exercise for Madrid at the moment as they continue to utterly dominate in the Getafe half. You just get the feeling that the away side needed to hold onto their lead until at least the interval. However, they are still more than in this match as Leon wins a free kick deep inside the Madrid half.
The resulting free kick is delivered into the Madrid box by Leon, but Arbeloa rises highest to clear the danger. Moments later, the referee is forced to intervene with Miku seemingly taking out Pepe inside the area. Getafe need to keep their discipline as the first period continues to gather pace. It has been a very solid 27 minutes of football from the away side.
Slightly untidy last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the Getafe box with Isco the main architect, but they have found it difficult to break through the line of blue shirts. A corner follows for Madrid moments later, but Moya is on hand to punch clear under pressure from Pepe.
Half-chance for Di Maria as the Argentine collects a pass from Ronaldo before attempting to bend one into the top corner, but Moya is on hand to make the save. Ronaldo had been involved moments before, but Lopez was on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that Getafe need to weather the storm in the latter stages of the first period.
Not the best challenge from Alexis as the Getafe defender catches Pepe with an elbow just outside the box. No prizes for guessing who stands over the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
Madrid are awarded a penalty as Michel is adjudged to have handled Ronaldo's free kick just inside the box. It was harsh in my view, but he had no business putting his arm away from his body. Ronaldo with the chance to send Madrid into the lead.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Getafe (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo does indeed fire his penalty into the bottom corner to move Madrid into the lead. It was such an avoidable goal from the away side's perspective, however, which will surely infuriate Luis Garcia. Just about the perfect time for the home side to take the lead.
Ronaldo goes searching for his second in as many minutes as Di Maria slides a wonderful pass beyond the Getafe defence, but Alexis is across to clear at the vital moment. Pepe has a free header from the resulting corner, but his effort is high and wide of the target.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Leon collects a loose ball on the edge of the box before attempting to find the top corner, but it just deflects over the crossbar. Getafe threaten from the resulting corner, but Lopez manages to palm clear under pressure from Arroyo. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Good response from Getafe to falling behind with the likes of Castro and Fedor seeing plenty of the ball in and around the Madrid box, but they have been unable to find that elusive final pass. Pepe is forced into desperate defending moments later as he pumps clear under pressure from Leon inside this own box.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Madrid to score their third as a deep cross from Carvajal causes all sorts of problems inside the Getafe box. Benzema has the first chance to slip home from close range, but he cannot make contact before Lopez almost bundles into his own net. Getafe live to fight another day as we enter the latter stages of the first period.
A poor challenge from Carvajal on Lafita gains the defender a yellow card. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Leon, but Benzema is on hand to make the clearance. The away side continue to press deep in the Madrid half, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third.
Getafe are forced to make a change in the latter stages of the first period as Pablo Sarabia enters the field in place of Lafita, who had been struggling in the last couple of moments. That is a real blow for the away side in stoppage time in the first period.
HALF TIME: Real Madrid 2-1 Getafe
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 2-1. Lafita handed Getafe the lead inside five minutes, but a close-range finish from Pepe and a Ronaldo penalty has left the home side ahead at the interval. It has been an entertaining 45 minutes of football in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid have utterly dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had nine attempts - five of which have been on target - to Getafe's two. Luis Garcia will be pleased that his side are still in the match following a half that was largely dominated by the team in white.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Luka Modric, Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata. However, there is no Bale, who has pulled out with an injury. Getafe, meanwhile, have the likes of Adrian Colunga, Gavilan and Roberto Lago in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, but Getafe have already been forced into a change with Sarabia replacing the injured Lafita in the latter stages of the first period. Right, Getafe get the action underway on this warm evening in the Spanish capital.
Excuse me, there was indeed one change at the interval with Escudero leaving the field for Lago. Luis Garcia has played two of his three cards with a large chunk of this match remaining. You just get the feeling that Getafe need to score the next goal if they are to have a chance of taking something from the Bernabeu. Let's hope for more entertainment in the second 45 minutes.
Half-chance for the home side as Benzema bursts into the Getafe box before rounding Moya, but he can only clip his effort wide of the post. Ronaldo sets up Benzema once more moments later, but the Frenchman's effort is straight into the arms of Moya. Bright start from the home side with 50 minutes on the clock.
One-way traffic as Madrid continue to force the issue as Di Maria collects possession outside the box before sliding a pass towards Benzema, but the Frenchman cannot collect under pressure from Lopez, before Ronaldo stings the palms of Moya just outside the box.
It's good work from Sarabia as the Getafe midfielder finds some space down the left before whipping a cross into the box, but Pepe is on hand to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but Lopez is on hand to claim. Somehow Getafe are still in this match and the longer it remains at 2-1, the more confidence they will gain. All it takes is one set piece, one moment of magic.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo as Arbeloa finds the Portuguese inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Lopez. The resulting corner is delivered into the box by Di Maria, but once more Moya gets a strong hand on the cross. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining, with the home side still leading 2-1.
Half-chance for Madrid to add their third as Di Maria stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort just curls wide of the post. Yes, you heard right, Ronaldo let the Argentine take this one. Not too much from Getafe in the last few moments with the home side still in control of the possession. However, at 2-1, the three points are far from secure.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 Getafe (Isco)
Madrid have their third of the evening just before the hour mark as a quick free kick is taken to Isco, who steps inside the defender before whipping his effort into the top corner. Just stunning for the Spaniard, who has now scored five goals for Madrid this season. What a record.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Ronaldo to add his second of the evening as Carvajal delivers a fine cross towards the back post, but the Portuguese cannot make contact at the vital moment. Getafe are really struggling at the moment as the home side continue to commit players to each attack.
You cannot take your eye off Ronaldo for one second as the Portuguese turns on the edge of the box before whipping an effort towards the bottom corner, but Moya is across to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered into the box by Di Maria, but Moya is on hand to clear. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for the away side as Castro finds some space inside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Lopez is across to make the save. I suspect we are getting to the stage of the match where Carlo Ancelotti will be thinking about changes ahead of next week's clash with Elche. Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez are two that will hope to feature.
Isco comes close to scoring his second as he combines with Ronaldo before dancing into the box, but he just loses control at the vital moment, allowing Alexis across to make the challenge. Slight concern for Madrid at the moment as Ronaldo holds his back following a challenge in the Getafe box. The Portuguese could be replaced if he continues to struggle with little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Getafe make their third and final change of the evening with Rafa entering the field to replace Alvaro Arroyo. Madrid, meanwhile, are yet to look to their bench. Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Madrid manage to clear the danger. Still 3-1 to the home side.
Half-chance for Sarabia as the Getafe midfielder strikes one from outside the box, but once more Lopez is on hand to make the save. Isco wants a free kick down the other end moments later as he is caught in the face by Lopez, but the referee does not stop the play. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in what has been an entertaining clash in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Benzema to score Madrid's fourth as the Frenchman is found by Arbeloa inside the box, but somehow he heads over the crossbar from close range. Isco was once more stunning in the build-up. Ronaldo wants a free kick moments later after beating Moya to the ball, but the referee tells the Portuguese to rise to his feet.
Madrid make their first change of the night as Luka Modric enters the field for Illarramendi, who has been impressive this evening. It appears that Morata will soon join us, who is very popular with the home supporters. Getafe have not offered anything to indicate that they can turn this one around in the final 10 minutes or so in the Spanish capital.
POST! Another opportunity for Benzema to find the back of the net as he meets a cross from Di Maria, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. Ronaldo collects moments later before thumping one towards the bottom corner, but it strikes the post. Madrid's second change arrives moments later as Benzema is replaced by Morata.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Morata to find the back of the net as he collects a pass from Modric before attempting to find the bottom corner, but he just drags his effort wide of the post. Moments later Madrid make their third change with Isco leaving the field for Jese Rodriguez - another exciting talent.
RED CARD! Getafe are reduced to 10 men in the latter stages as Michel is dismissed for a foul on Jese just outside the box. Wonderful acceleration from the youngster, who had been bright since entering the field. Ronaldo will surely take the set piece.
Ronaldo does indeed take the free kick, but he fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. He has deserved to score a couple more this evening, but he did find the net from the spot in the first period. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining in the Spanish capital.
Positive finish to the match from Getafe as they force two corners in succession, but the first is cleared by Pepe before Lago heads over the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football.
Not too much to report in added time with Madrid comfortable in possession of the ball. The three points will move them into third position in the table behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have won all five games thus far. Little over one minute remaining in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-1 Getafe (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo scores his second in the final minute as the Portuguese turns home from close range in spectacular fashion. Incredible finish.
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 4-1 Getafe
So there we have it. Madrid continue their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-1 win over Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Valencia against Sevilla. Until then!
