Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
Competition: Spanish La Liga – Round 9
Venue: Estadio Coliseum, Getafe
Final Score: Getafe 0–1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid returned to the top of La Liga with a hard-earned 1–0 away win over Getafe at the Estadio Coliseum on Sunday night. In a tense Round 9 encounter that saw two red cards for the hosts, Kylian Mbappé’s late goal made the difference for Xabi Alonso’s side.
The match was anything but straightforward. For long stretches, Getafe frustrated Real Madrid with their compact defensive structure and physical approach. But when the game reached its boiling point in the final 15 minutes, Madrid showed why they remain Spain’s most dangerous side this season.
This victory pushes Real Madrid ahead of defending champions Barcelona and sends a strong message heading into next week’s El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.
A Cold Autumn Night and a Cagey First Half
The match kicked off under the cool autumn air of Getafe, with 10,090 fans filling the Estadio Coliseum. It was a night that carried weight beyond the three points at stake. Real Madrid were chasing top spot after Barcelona’s 2–1 victory over Girona the previous evening, while Getafe were eager to defend their home turf and slow down the league leaders.
From the outset, José Bordalás’s men made their intentions clear — disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm and rely on their physicality. The opening minutes saw tight marking, aggressive pressing, and very little space for Madrid’s creative players to operate.
Real Madrid’s front three — Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, and young Franco Mastantuono — were constantly swarmed by Getafe defenders. Mbappé had the first real chance in the seventh minute, finding space on the left but forcing a routine save from goalkeeper David Soria.
Soria, a former Madrid youth player, was in inspired form. In the 42nd minute, he denied a bending David Alaba free-kick before reacting quickly to block Federico Valverde’s follow-up. His heroics kept the match goalless at the break, frustrating Madrid’s traveling supporters who expected a more fluid attacking display.
A First Half of Protests and Frustration
Before a ball was even touched, both sets of players participated in the La Liga protest — standing still for 15 seconds at kick-off to voice opposition to the league’s decision to host a December fixture in the United States. It was a symbolic moment that set a tense tone for the night.
On the pitch, Madrid controlled 68% of possession but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Jude Bellingham, making his second start since returning from shoulder surgery, showed flashes of brilliance with slick passing and control under pressure. But Getafe’s low block and 27 committed fouls over the 90 minutes ensured Madrid’s attacks lacked rhythm.
The first half ended 0–0. For Madrid, it was a familiar feeling — dominating possession but lacking penetration. For Getafe, it was mission accomplished: survive the storm and grow into the match.
The Turning Point: Nyom’s Red Card
The second half began with Madrid showing greater urgency. Alonso introduced Arda Güler for Eduardo Camavinga in the 64th minute, injecting creativity between the lines. But Getafe’s defensive structure remained intact — until the 77th minute changed everything.
Getafe made a defensive substitution, bringing on Allan Nyom to help contain Vinícius Jr, who had just entered the game as a substitute. But within 44 seconds of stepping onto the pitch, Nyom elbowed Vinícius in the face during a tussle for the ball.
The referee immediately produced a straight red card, leaving Getafe down to 10 men. The Coliseum erupted in protest, but the damage was done. Madrid now had the numerical advantage and momentum.
Mbappé Delivers the Winner
Just three minutes after Nyom’s dismissal, Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock.
Arda Güler, who had been looking sharp since coming on, picked up the ball in midfield and threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the heart of Getafe’s defense. Kylian Mbappé, making a diagonal run behind the backline, latched onto the ball with his usual composure.
One touch to control, one look up, and a clinical finish past David Soria.
Getafe 0–1 Real Madrid.
It was Mbappé’s 10th La Liga goal of the season — keeping him at the top of the league’s scoring charts. More importantly, it was another example of why Real Madrid signed him: he thrives in decisive moments.
Chaos in the Closing Stages
As if things weren’t difficult enough for Getafe, disaster struck again in the 84th minute. Alex Sancris, already booked earlier in the game, committed another foul on Vinícius Jr. The referee showed him a second yellow card, and Getafe were down to nine men.
With two players sent off in the final minutes, Madrid seemed destined to cruise to victory. But football rarely follows a script. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Getafe nearly found an equalizer.
Abu Kamara, on loan from Hull City, found himself unmarked in the box and fired toward goal. But Thibaut Courtois, who had been relatively quiet all evening, pulled off a brilliant save to keep Madrid’s clean sheet intact.
Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Real Madrid 69% – Getafe 31%
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 8 – Getafe 3
- Fouls: Getafe 27 – Real Madrid 12
- Red Cards: Getafe 2 (Nyom 77’, Sancris 84’)
- Goals: Mbappé 80’ (Assist: Güler)
- Attendance: 10,090
- Venue: Estadio Coliseum, Getafe