Real Madrid ratings vs Getafe: Arda Guler keeps Los Blancos alive! Youngster’s wonder strike delivers narrow win to maintain pressure on Barcelona in La Liga title race
Real Madrid kept their La Liga title hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Getafe, thanks to a moment of brilliance from young Turkish star Arda Güler. In a tense encounter at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, it was the 19-year-old’s stunning strike that proved the difference as Carlo Ancelotti’s side clung on to three crucial points in the race for the league crown.
Press Conference Highlights
Speaking after the match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Güler’s decisive contribution and the team’s resilience in a tricky fixture.
“Arda is a special talent. In tight games like this, you need players who can make the difference — and today, he did exactly that. We knew it would be difficult here, but the players showed character,” Ancelotti told reporters.
The Italian coach also admitted his side had to grind out the result, acknowledging that the performance wasn’t the most glamorous but underlining the importance of securing all three points at this stage of the season.
“We weren’t at our best offensively, but defensively we were solid. Sometimes, one moment is enough, and Arda gave us that.”
Match Summary
Getafe made life difficult for the visitors, pressing high and limiting Madrid’s usual fluid attacking play. Los Blancos struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo both failing to find their rhythm.
But it was Arda Güler, starting in an advanced midfield role, who stepped up in the 64th minute. Picking up the ball just outside the box, he shifted it onto his left foot and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner, leaving the Getafe goalkeeper with no chance.
From there, Madrid managed the game well, with defenders Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho putting in strong performances to preserve the clean sheet.
Real Madrid Player Ratings:
Andriy Lunin: 7 — Solid when called upon, though not overly tested.
Dani Carvajal: 6 — Decent going forward, disciplined at the back.
Antonio Rüdiger: 8 — Commanding at the heart of defence.
Nacho: 7 — Reliable and steady in a difficult away tie.
Ferland Mendy: 6 — Did his job defensively, limited attacking threat.
Federico Valverde: 7 — Worked tirelessly, provided energy in midfield.
Toni Kroos: 7 — Kept things ticking, composed in possession.
Arda Güler: 9 — Match-winner. His moment of magic earned the points.
Rodrygo: 6 — Flashes of danger but lacked end product.
Vinicius Jr.: 6 — Found it tough against a compact defence.
Joselu: 5 — Struggled to get involved, isolated up top.
Substitutes:
Jude Bellingham (for Joselu, 70’): 6 — Added composure late on.
Eduardo Camavinga (for Kroos, 75’): 6 — Helped shore up midfield.
What This Means for the Title Race
This result ensures that Real Madrid stay within touching distance of league leaders Barcelona, who face a tricky fixture later this week. With only a handful of matches remaining, every point is vital — and Arda Güler’s moment of individual brilliance could yet prove decisive in the race for the title.
Ancelotti concluded the press conference by reiterating his side’s focus:
“We take it one game at a time. The fight continues.”