The clash between Getafe and Real Madrid, valid for the 33rd round of LaLiga 2024/25, kicked off with intensity at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium. At 22 minutes of the first half, Real Madrid took the lead with a stunning goal from Arda Güler, who capitalized on a well-worked move to find the net. The match, played on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. (Brasília time), features young Brazilian Endrick as a starter, marking his first time in the starting lineup under Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid, aiming to close the gap to league leaders Barcelona, dominates the attacking play, while Getafe tries to respond with sporadic moves.
The game began with Real Madrid setting the pace. From the opening minutes, the Merengue side controlled possession, working passes in their defensive half to find gaps in Getafe’s compact defense. At 2 minutes, Luis Milla nearly caught them off guard with a shot inside the box, but goalkeeper Courtois made a solid save. Real responded at 5 minutes when Valverde tried a long-range shot that sailed over the bar. Getafe’s passing in the attacking half showed organization, but the home side struggled to break through the visitors’ high press.
Real Madrid’s lineup brought significant changes. Carlo Ancelotti opted for alterations in the starting eleven, resting players like Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Modric, possibly with an eye on the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona scheduled for Saturday. Endrick’s inclusion as a starter was a pre-game highlight, with the young Brazilian forward showing movement and actively contributing to attacking plays. Alongside Vini Jr., Endrick formed a dangerous duo that pressured the opposing defense from the opening whistle.
Context of the LaLiga clash
Real Madrid entered the match in second place in the LaLiga standings with 69 points, eight behind leaders Barcelona. Their 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the previous round boosted confidence for the team, which aims to keep pressure on their Catalan rivals. The Merengue campaign has been marked by consistency, with 19 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses in 29 matches, plus a potent attack that has scored 62 goals. The presence of Brazilians like Vini Jr. and Endrick bolsters the team’s offensive firepower, relying on speed and creativity to break down stubborn defenses.
Getafe, on the other hand, is navigating an inconsistent season. With 39 points, the team sits in 12th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone. In their last five matches, Pepe Bordalás’ side won only twice—against Valladolid (4-0) and Osasuna (2-1)—but comes off two consecutive LaLiga defeats. Defensive solidity is a strength for Getafe, which fielded a five-man backline to contain Real Madrid’s attack. However, their lack of attacking efficiency, with just 26 goals scored in 29 games, has been a hurdle.
Minute-by-minute: key moments of the first half
The first half of Getafe vs. Real Madrid featured moments of Real’s pressure and Getafe’s counterattacking attempts. Below are the main highlights up to the 22nd minute:
- 2’ – Getafe threatens: Luis Milla receives inside the box after a passing move and shoots, but Courtois saves comfortably.
- 5’ – Valverde tries his luck: After a long ball, the Uruguayan midfielder shoots from distance, but the ball goes over Soria’s goal.
- 15’ – Mayoral misses: Getafe’s striker rises alone on a cross from Iglesias and heads wide, squandering a clear chance.
- 17’ – Fran García goes close: Lucas Vázquez and Vini Jr. combine, and Fran García shoots first-time. Soria parries, and the left-back tries again but sends it wide.
- 20’ – Güler’s goal: Arda Güler receives in midfield, advances freely, and fires a beautiful shot to open the scoring for Real Madrid.
Tactics and lineups: strategies on display
Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 formation prioritized speed on the wings with Vini Jr. and Endrick, while Güler and Brahim Díaz operated as creative midfielders. In the middle, Valverde and Tchouaméni provided balance, with Lucas Vázquez and Fran García offering support on the flanks. Ancelotti’s choice of Alaba and Asencio in defense reflected an intent to maintain solidity, even with lineup changes. Courtois, a key pillar, started in goal, reinforcing security at the back.
Getafe deployed a 5-4-1, with a defensive line of Djené, Berrocal, Domingos Duarte, Alderete, and Iglesias. Bordalás’ strategy was clear: close down spaces and exploit counterattacks with Mayoral as the focal point up top. Luis Milla and Arambarri in midfield were tasked with containing Real’s advances, while Terrats and Bernat supported offensive plays. The lineup reflected Getafe’s cautious approach, prioritizing defensive organization against a stronger opponent.
Possession at 14 minutes showed Real Madrid’s dominance, with 60% compared to Getafe’s 40%. The visitors passed patiently, while Getafe relied on direct plays to catch them out. Real’s high press disrupted Getafe’s build-up, forcing errors in defense. However, the home side showed tactical discipline, staying compact to avoid leaving gaps.
Individual standouts: Endrick and Güler in the spotlight
Endrick, starting for the first time, brought dynamism to Real Madrid’s attack. The 18-year-old, signed from Palmeiras, displayed confidence, moving across the pitch, linking up with Vini Jr., and seeking spaces in Getafe’s defense. His start marks a milestone in the season, as Ancelotti had primarily used the Brazilian as a substitute. The Merengue fanbase is eagerly watching the development of the forward, seen as one of world football’s brightest prospects.
Arda Güler, who scored at 20 minutes, was another protagonist early on. The 20-year-old Turkish midfielder seized his chance as a starter to showcase technical quality and game vision. His precise strike to open the scoring highlighted his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Güler, who battled injuries early in his Real Madrid career, is gaining traction and confidence under Ancelotti.
Vini Jr., the other Brazilian on the pitch, was instrumental in creating attacking moves. His blistering pace and dazzling dribbles troubled Getafe’s defense, notably in the move that led to Fran García’s shot at 17 minutes. The partnership between Vini Jr. and Endrick, two quick and skillful players, has the potential to become a lethal weapon for Real Madrid this season.
⚽ 21' | 0-1 | ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL de @10ardaguler!!!#FC25 | @easportsfc pic.twitter.com/fOpG1QD3Lo
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 23, 2025
Head-to-head history: Real Madrid’s dominance
The history between Getafe and Real Madrid heavily favors the Merengues. In 27 LaLiga meetings, Real has won 23 times, compared to just 2 victories for Getafe and 2 draws. In the last six encounters, Real Madrid won all, including a 2-0 triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu in December 2024, with goals from Bellingham and Mbappé. Getafe’s last win over Real Madrid came in 2022, a 1-0 result at home.
Real Madrid’s strength against Getafe is also evident defensively. In the last six games, they conceded just one goal, keeping clean sheets in five. This record underscores Getafe’s challenge in breaching the opposition defense, especially in a match where Real Madrid arrives buoyed by recent victories. For Getafe, the task is to overcome the unfavorable history and leverage home advantage to pull off an upset.
Current state of play: Real Madrid in front
At 22 minutes, Real Madrid holds a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Güler’s goal. The team continues to press, exploiting the flanks with Lucas Vázquez and Fran García. Endrick and Vini Jr. remain active in attack, while the midfield, led by Valverde and Tchouaméni, ensures solidity. Getafe, despite the deficit, is trying to respond with moves down the wings but struggles with precision in the final third, as seen in Mayoral’s missed chance at 15 minutes.
The game remains open, with Real Madrid looking to extend their lead and Getafe banking on counterattacks. The home crowd at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is urging their team on, hoping for a goal to level the score and shift the match’s momentum. The intensity suggests more excitement is in store, especially with the technical quality on display.
What to expect for the rest of the match
Real Madrid is likely to stick with their high-pressing, possession-based approach to control the game. With Endrick and Vini Jr. on the pitch, the team has the potential to create more scoring chances, particularly exploiting their speed against Getafe’s backline. Güler, buoyed by his goal, could be decisive in midfield. Ancelotti, mindful of fatigue, may turn to substitutes like Bellingham, Rodrygo, or Modric to maintain intensity in the second half.
For Getafe, the priority is improving attacking efficiency. Mayoral, their main attacking threat, needs to be more clinical, while midfielders like Luis Milla and Arambarri must push forward to support. Substitutions such as Carles Pérez or Álvaro Rodríguez could inject fresh energy, as Getafe aims for at least a draw to secure vital points in their fight against relegation.
Match stats and numbers
The early numbers underline Real Madrid’s dominance. By 22 minutes, they held 60% possession compared to Getafe’s 40%. Real had more shots, with attempts from Fran García and Güler standing out, while Getafe created chances through Mayoral and Luis Milla but failed to convert. Real Madrid’s average of 1.4 yellow cards per game indicates discipline, while Getafe’s 0.3 suggests similar control in committing fouls.
Real Madrid’s LaLiga campaign showcases efficiency, with 62 goals scored and 29 conceded in 29 matches. Getafe, meanwhile, has a less prolific attack with 26 goals but a defense that has allowed just 25, highlighting their tactical organization. These stats point to a balanced contest, with Real Madrid holding the edge in chance creation and Getafe relying on defensive resilience.
Fun facts about Getafe vs. Real Madrid
- Real Madrid has won the last six games against Getafe, conceding just one goal.
- Endrick is the youngest player to start for Real Madrid in LaLiga this season, at 18 years old.
- Arda Güler scored his first LaLiga 2024/25 goal against Getafe, after being a substitute in prior games.
- Getafe hasn’t beaten Real Madrid at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez since 2022.
- Vini Jr. leads Real Madrid in assists this season, with 10 goal-creating passes.
Importance for the standings
A win is critical for Real Madrid to keep their hopes of catching Barcelona alive. With 69 points, they need to maximize points in the final rounds to pressure the leaders, who have 77. A loss or draw could jeopardize their title chances, especially with the Copa del Rey final looming. For Getafe, a positive result is vital to further distance themselves from the relegation zone and build momentum for the season’s final stretch.
The match continues, with Real Madrid leading 1-0. The second half promises to be competitive, with Getafe fighting to level the score and Real aiming to solidify their advantage. The performances of Endrick, Güler, and Vini Jr. remain the standout, while Getafe relies on grit and home support to turn the tide.
