Real Madrid – Getafe: Wide buildup play rewarded through the most minor of mistakes (1-0)

Relentless and organized pressing was at the heart of this cagey affair, where the teams could only be separated by a spot kick. José Bordalás’ high-pressing machine put their bodies on the line to disrupt Zinédine Zidane’s side’s buildup, but waning intensity would inevitably lead to enough costly holes to result in heartbreak.

Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly.

Five wins from five since LaLiga’s resumption for Real Madrid, who find themselves back in the midst of a heated title race – one in which they are currently pulling away at the top of the table. Looking to make it six, and a third clean sheet in a row, Zidane named three changes from the eleven that beat Espanyol 1-0 last Sunday.

In the same 4-3-3 setup of sorts, Marcelo was replaced by Ferland Mendy at left back, Fede Valverde was dropped for the experienced Luka Modrić in midfield, and Vinícius Jr came in for Eden Hazard on the left of the front three.

Getafe have been fighting it out themselves, for one of the highly sought-after European spots. Sitting in sixth prior to this, five points from fourth, Bordalás was hoping his side could string back-to-back wins after their five-game winless streak. This was put to an end following a huge victory to Real Sociedad, one of their key rivals in the race for European qualification. 

Just two changes were made to the withstanding 4-4-2 system: Djené returned in place of Chema at the heart of the defense, and David Timor came into the midfield . . .