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MADRID, March 2 – A stunning volley from Martin Satriano in the first half secured a surprising 1-0 win for Getafe against Real Madrid in LaLiga on Monday, a result that positioned leaders Barcelona four points ahead at the top of the league standings.
Getafe Shocks Real Madrid
Real maintained control of the game from the start and dominated possession, yet they were unable to convert their pressure into goals, missing multiple opportunities in a heated match.
In the 39th minute, Alvaro Arbeloa’s team found themselves vulnerable when a partially cleared cross fell perfectly at the edge of the penalty area, allowing Satriano to unleash a powerful volley into the top left corner.
Tempers flared during stoppage time when substitute Franco Mastantuono received a direct red card for arguing with the officials, while Adrian Liso was also dismissed for the away team.
Barcelona Extends Lead
Barcelona tops the La Liga standings with 64 points, while Real Madrid follows in second place with 60 points. Getafe sits in 11th position, accumulating 32 points.
Due to injuries sidelining Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao, Real’s manager Arbeloa made significant changes to the lineup, giving 18-year-old midfielder Thiago Pitarch his debut start in the senior team.
Getafe established their dominance from the start, throwing off Real’s flow with a series of tactical fouls.
Match Highlights and Analysis
Nonetheless, Real succeeded in creating chances, and Vinicius Jr had an opportunity to give them the lead in the 13th minute when he broke free on a counter-attack, but goalkeeper David Soria denied him with a quick right-footed save from close range.
Soria shone once more in the 24th minute, executing a remarkable one-handed save to thwart Arda Guler after the Turkish midfielder skillfully maneuvered past three defenders during an impressive run into the penalty area.
The pivotal moment came in the 39th minute. Following a failed clearance from Real, Satriano — in his seventh appearance since joining on loan from Olympique Lyonnais in January — seized the opportunity, striking a powerful volley into the top left corner from the edge of the box.
Player Performances Reviewed
The crowd at the Bernabeu reacted with jeers at halftime, leading Arbeloa to bring on Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and Rodrygo, yet the substitutions made little difference.
Real pressed hard but found it difficult to penetrate Getafe’s compact five-man defense. Antonio Ruediger came close with a header from a corner, and Rodrygo shot just wide from the rebound, but the visitors remained resolute.
Mastantuono’s red card marked a difficult evening for Real, who suffered a home defeat to Getafe for the first time in 18 years. REUTERS