Real Madrid won 2-0 in a controlled match against Getafe on the 15th day of La Liga.
Real Madrid beat Getafe 2-0 and are within one point of FC Barcelona in La Liga thanks to goals from Bellingham and Mbappé. During a controlled match despite a drop in pace in the second half, three individuals shone and carried the team, each in their own way.
With the injury crisis that Real Madrid is going through, substitutes understand that this is their moment to stand out and prove to Ancelotti that he can also count on them. The very example of this phenomenon: Dani Ceballos.
Dani Ceballos, impeccable metronome
Toni Kroos, is that you? In a style very different from the German, Dani Ceballos managed to impose his tempo and take responsibility for restarting and managing the midfield. In this area, it is the best performance by a Real Madrid player since Kroos retired. 110 balls touched, 94% of successful passes and a nice 6/8 in the long game, the Andalusian was so clean as to make the cleaning freaks jealous in this match.
We know the feats Ceballos is capable of with a ball even if his performance yesterday was on another level. But positioned in 6, it also had to shine without the ball. And he did it! With quality defensive placement, he was able to make two interceptions and above all he won 7 of his 10 duels played on the ground. A successful performance in all areas.
Bellingham, half time and then gone
Scorer and decisive passer, Bellingham continues in La Liga and recovers his role as an offensive dynamite from last season without Vinicius Jr. If Ceballos was everywhere in the low zone of the field, the offensive zone was Bellingham's hunting ground. Ball chaser already with 4 duels won from 5 and an involvement in pressing which makes the rest of his teammates want him. Goal hunter also with a penalty scored with great composure. And, after the hunt, there is the banquet. The Englishman served the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé on a platter to end his very successful hunting trip.
The only fault with Jude Bellingham's performance was that it ended at halftime. Hit in a clash with Soria in the 25th minute, the Englishman was doubly decisive while still being stunned by the shock. The concussion protocol was launched by Real Madrid at half-time, which also granted a sixth change to both teams. Ancelotti confirmed that his injury is not serious and that he has “2 days to recover” before Athletic Club.
Asencio, Real Madrid's early Christmas present
Yesterday, Marca confirmed that Real Madrid did not intend to recruit in central defense this winter. And that is the fault of one man: Raul Asencio. In four games, the Canarian showed such assurance, confidence and qualities that he has completely established himself in the first team. This Sunday, he once again showed limitless confidence in the recovery by bringing something that we have not seen at Real Madrid since the injuries to Militao and Alaba in 2023.
His overtaking duties contribute a lot but above all testify to the confidence that he has the ball at his feet, without feeling the pressure of the opponent or the white jersey. And defensively, even if it was “only” Getafe opposite, he continued to ride the same wave as during his last outings by being impeccable in his interventions on the ground (5/6 duels won), in the air (3/3 duels won) or to give his team some breathing space (9 clearances).
Guillaume Pomade
