The Whites continue being leaders in the League after
defeating a great Getafe
Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
September 30, 2007 - Real Madrid will be able to prepare for their match against Lazio in peace after defeating Getafe, who proved they deserve to have more than two points in the championship. Schuster’s men stand undefeated in the League.
The second Madrid derby of the season was plagued with chances on goal, making both keepers the true starts of the match, especially during the first half, which ended 0-0. The encounter was special for two reasons: it was a derby and it marked Bernd Schuster’s return to the stadium where he made a name for himself as a coach.
Real Madrid’s starting eleven differed to last week’s against Betis in five men: Gago, Marcelo, Drenthe, Robinho and Arjen Robben, who made his debut as a starter. Due to the gruelling schedule the team has, Bernd Schuster has decided to use a rotation system in order to give all his men time to rest.
The fixture was very tight at the start. Getafe created danger close to Casillas’ goal with Uche shooting after Madrid’s defence made a mistake on the 9-minute mark, but Iker keeper managed to clear the ball. Pablo Hernández had the Blues’ second clear chance on goal with a powerful shot that hit the post. Luck seems to be avoiding Getafe this campaign, making them the second team that needs the largest number of shots on goal to score a strike. Nevertheless, Real Madrid were also unlucky with their aim in the first 45 minutes, despite Robben’s and Drenthe’s dangerous plays down the left wing.
The Madridistas’ first clear chance came in the 5th minute, when Robinho crossed the ball over to Robben from the right wing, but the Dutchman’s shot was cleared by Ustari. Later on, Raúl failed to score from a free-kick by Sneijder despite being next to the goal-line. Both sides had many chances and Getafe, just like Schuster had predicted during the week, proved to be a tough opponent that never gave up in their pursuit for their first League victory of the season.
The second half also saw both teams trying to score in vain. It seemed the game’s opening strike would come at any given moment. Then, Raúl passed the ball to Robben, who ran down the right and passed the ball to Ramos by the goal-line. The defender reached the ball with a sensational sprint and scored the fixture’s only goal. Getafe fought hard for a draw band Laudrup decided to bring Kepa on. Robinho got injured and was replaced by Baptista, who had a great chance from a powerful shot from the right wing that hit Ustari’s far post.
Getafe kept trying, showcasing brilliant football; if they continue playing this well they will surely start earning many points in the competition and in the UEFA Cup, in which they will play for the first time in their history this year. Nevertheless, Real Madrid won the game and continue to stand undefeated and as leaders in La Liga.
MATCH REPORT:
0 - Getafe: Ustari; Licht, Belenguer, Cata Díaz, Pallardó; Pablo Hernández, Celestini, Casquero, Nacho (Kepa, 76’); Manu del Moral & Uche.
1 - Real Madrid: Casillas; Torres, Ramos, Cannavaro, Marcelo; Drenthe (Guti, 56’), Gago (Diarra, 78’), Robinho (Baptista, 66’); Raúl, Sneijder & Robben.
GOALS:
0-1, 65' Sergio Ramos.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco. Booked Kepa (81’), Belenguer (90’), Fernando Gago (45’), Sneijder (52’) and Robben (88’).
HIGHLIGHTS: Matchday 6 of the Spanish League. Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Attendance: 14,000.
Match report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Aranchuelo and Fernando Comeche
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
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