Real Madrid kept their LaLiga title hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday, thanks to a first-half goal from rising star Arda Guler.
The 19-year-old Turkish midfielder scored from outside the box midway through the first half, sending a powerful shot past Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. The win moves Madrid to within four points of league leaders Barcelona, who edged Mallorca 1-0 on Tuesday.
The two Spanish giants are set to clash in the Copa del Rey final in Seville this Saturday. All eyes will be on whether Kylian Mbappé, recovering from injury, will return in time for the highly anticipated El Clásico.
With Jude Bellingham on the bench, 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick made his first league start. He came close to scoring after being set up by Vinicius Junior, but Soria got enough on the shot to allow Djene to clear the ball off the line.
Fran Garcia also had two early chances for Madrid. His first shot was saved by Soria, and he sent the rebound high over the bar.
Guler eventually broke the deadlock after Brahim Diaz’s opportunity appeared to go to waste. Madrid recycled possession and Guler’s 20-yard strike found the net, despite Soria getting a hand to it.
Getafe fought back in the second half. Mauro Arambarri missed a golden opportunity, firing wide with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. Courtois came up big again in stoppage time, making a key save inside his six-yard box to stop a late scramble involving Peter and Juanmi. Alvaro Rodriguez, on loan from Madrid, nearly equalized in the dying moments, but Courtois was equal to his low shot.
Elsewhere in LaLiga, Inaki Williams scored early to give Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 win over Las Palmas. The victory strengthens Bilbao’s push for Champions League qualification.
Williams netted in the fifth minute after a clever turn in the box, firing in with the outside of his foot. Bilbao now sit fourth with five matches remaining, eight points clear of fifth-place Villarreal. Villarreal fell 3-0 to Celta Vigo earlier on Wednesday.
Bilbao are also preparing for a Europa League semifinal against Manchester United, with the final set to be held at their home stadium if they advance.
Real Betis, currently sixth and just one point behind Villarreal, will face bottom-placed Valladolid on Thursday.
Related topics: