Getafe – Real Madrid: Madrid Battle Way Past Hyperaggressive Getafe (0-3)

While the 3-0 scoreline suggests a routine win for Real Madrid on the surface, the reality was that Zinedine Zidane’s side had to battle for their win. Getafe’s pressing made it hard for Madrid to build up cleanly and their directness in attack forced Madrid back and created an abrasive, fragmented game. Madrid required saves from Thibaut Courtois in the first half, but a Getafe own goal set Zidane’s side ahead. Second half goals from Raphaël Varane and Luka Modrić eventually sealed the three points for Madrid. 

Tactical analysis by Josh Manley.

Real Madrid went into this game in second place in LaLiga, two points behind front-runners Barcelona. Their last three LaLiga games before the festive period ended in draws, including away games against Barcelona and Valencia. 

Getafe currently find themselves in seventh place in LaLiga, after an impressive campaign last season which saw them nearly break into the top four. Their last match prior to this was an away defeat against Villarreal, which ended a three-game winning streak for José Bordalás’ side. 

Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 shape. Sergio Ramos was missing through suspension, so Éder Militão started alongside Raphaël Varane at center-back. In midfield, the impressive Federico Valverde was . . .