Author: Barkha Roy
Real Madrid – Getafe – 2:1
The game began with Borja Mayoral capitalizing on a defensive error by Real Madrid’s Fran García, giving Getafe an early lead in the 11th minute. Getafe goalkeeper David Soria played a key role in maintaining the lead at half-time with a series of outstanding saves, including a daring dive outside the box to clear the ball with his shoulder and an extraordinary one-handed stop to deny Luka Modric’s point-blank header. Soria’s heroics continued with a reflex save to stop Joselu’s point-blank shot.
The first half was not without its controversies, as the Real Madrid players vehemently protested several refereeing decisions, most notably a possible penalty initially awarded for a foul on Bellingham, but which was overturned after a VAR review.
However, in the second half, Real Madrid resurged, with Joselu equalizing in the 47th minute from a loose ball inside the six-yard box. Real Madrid pressed Getafe relentlessly, hitting the post three times, much to the frustration of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. The stadium, recently renovated at a staggering cost of 900 million euros, had its new retractable roof closed on a rainy day in the Spanish capital, adding to the spectacle.
Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid the win in the 95th minute. Soria saved Vázquez’s shot and the Englishman finished the ball into the net. This is his fifth goal in his fourth La Liga match. The league’s top scorer fully justified his move from Borussia Dortmund. Let’s remember that they paid 103 million euros for it, plus 30 million euros in bonuses.
With Militão and Vinícius injured, Rodrigo was the only Brazilian on the pitch. Before the final whistle, he hit the crossbar with a point-blank shot.
Betis – Rayo Vallecano – 1:0
Brazilian Willian José scores for Betis for the second match in a row. This time, his goal was the only one of the game. In the 53rd minute, he delivered an excellent free-kick, sending it into the left corner of the goal – 1-0. Note that his teammate, Brazilian Abner, came on after half-time and played the entire second half.