Player ratings as Los Blancos return to winning ways

Real Madrid took a major step in the La Liga title race as they cut the gap to leaders Barcelona to one point with victory over city rivals Getafe on Sunday afternoon.

Los Blancos had suffered a horrible week after losing at Liverpool in the Champions League but managed to pull ahead on the hour mark when Jude Bellingham converted a penalty won by Antonio Rudiger.

Mbappe then turned goalscorer himself after a period of extended criticism, having missed a spot-kick at Anfield. The France captain was picked out by Bellingham and found the bottom of the net with a super finish.

Madrid were awarded another penalty in the second half but a video assistant referee check found a handball had not been committed and the ball had instead hit Getafe’s Juan Berrocal on the leg.

The hosts didn’t live a completely unthreatened life, however, with Christantus Uche striking the woodwork after turning Rudiger inside and out. There was more close-cut heartbreak for the visitors when a brilliant strike from Irishman John Patrick cannoned off the post.

Madrid eventually saw out a much-needed 2-0 victory, handing them the advantage in the Spanish title race after Barca’s shock defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side may still be a point behind their Clasico rivals but have a game in hand after a fixture with Valencia was postponed and, for all the talk of their mounting problems, are now arguably in the driving seat to retain the championship they claimed last season.

Getafe, meanwhile, are struggling down in 17th in La Liga and are only above the relegation zone by virtue of their greater goal difference compared to Espanyol.

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Fran Gonzalez (GK), Diego Aguado, Ferland Mendy, Jesus Vallejo, Lorenzo Aguado, Chema Andres, Endrick.

Player of the match – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

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