Real Madrid has extended their lead on top of the La Liga table to four points after recording a solitary goal win over Getafe at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Thursday night.
In a keenly contested affair, Sergio Ramos’ penalty late in the second half was what separated both teams with five games to go. With this, it seems Real Madrid could be heading towards winning it’s first La Liga title since 2012 with five games to go. Barca at a day earlier drew 2-2 at the Camp Nou against Athletico Madrid,m in a game where Lionel Messi scored his 700th career goal.
Real Madrid was awarded a spot-kick in the 79th minute and Ramos converted after Getafe made its first mistake in an otherwise flawless defensive performance.
How Real Madrid secured a four-point gap over Barcelona
Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal was tripped in the box by defender Mathías Olivera, after racing into the area and cut back, giving Ramos the chance to score the winner that boosts his team’s chances of dethroning Barcelona.
Ramos, who is now the highest-scoring defender in La Liga history has scored nine goals in the league this season. The win maintains Madrid’s hundred percent record since the restart. following a three-month stoppage for the coronavirus as Barca faltered against Sevilla, Celta Vigo, and Athletico Madrid lately after resuming with a two points lead.
Speaking after the game, Carvajal said the team had to grind out the maximum points in order to take advantage of Barcelona’s slip.
“They pushed us to the limit and thanks to a good combination we were able to get the three points. We had to take advantage of Barca’s slip against Atlético and we saw tonight’s like a final.”
The loss left Getafe in sixth place, five points from Sevilla that is occupying the fourth place, which is the last Champions League berth.
Real Madrid has not won anything – Zidane
In his reaction to the victory, Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane insisted there is more work to be done to secure the title and no need to be complacent with a four-point gap separating them from Barcelona.
In his post-match interview, the former Real Madrid player said there are three more points as the team had to win, but nothing more, adding that the team still has more finals to play.
“We have not won anything. I know what this is like and until this is over, we cannot say anything. We have to keep working. We are happy, proud of the team … the effort, the solidity that we show, is very good.
“This is football, football every three days is a new story. Today we suffered a lot, the other day against Espanyol too. We played against the bottom team, but they always make it difficult for you. Without suffering you cannot achieve anything.”
Next on the schedule of the Les Blancos is a trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
