The primary attacking pair for Los Blancos were instrumental in Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s easy victory.

Both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham bounced back from their recent struggles and scored as Real Madrid defeated a tenacious Getafe 2-0 on Sunday.

Following a dismal performance in the Champions League midweek, the pair regained their attacking rhythm, scoring goals in the first half of Madrid’s ultimately easy victory that pulled them within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Vinicius Jr.’s absence rather limited Los Blancos’ attacking edge as they struggled to produce early on. However, a clumsy defensive move before a Madrid corner gave them the lead when Antonio Rudiger was pulled down in the box. The penalty was rolled home by Bellingham after the referee indicated the spot.

After some excellent set-up play by Bellingham, Mbappe curled a fantastic attempt in off the post to score the second just before halftime.

After the break, Getafe provided some further ideas, putting Thibaut Courtois to the test a few times before John Patrick and Chrisantus Uche both rattled the post.

 

Nothing exactly came off, though. Madrid had the opportunity to make it three or four, but missed shots by Rodrygo and Mbappe kept the score tight. But ultimately, two was sufficient.

AFP

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Made a few nice saves in the second half to hold the visitors off.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Got forward quite a lot, and offered a valuable extra body in attack. Put in some good defensive work in the final minutes, too.

Raul Asencio (8/10):

Assured at the back, with a couple of nice interventions. Kept things tidy otherwise. He fits right in.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Won the penalty that gave Madrid the lead. Turned easily to give Getafe their best chance, but otherwise solid.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Not much of the Getafe attack came down his side. Barely involved until late on when some spaces opened up for him to get forward.

Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF – La Liga EA SportsGetty Images Sport

Midfield

Dani Ceballos (7/10):

Barely misplaced a pass, and progressed the ball rather well. His best game in a while.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Busy in a water-carrying role of sorts. Held things down and got forward in bursts, which was pretty much all he had to do.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Absolutely everywhere. Won the ball back with aplomb, fought for everything, scored one, and set up another. Replaced at the break after reportedly feeling dizzy following a clash with the ‘keeper.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Hardly touched the ball in the first half, but had more space in the second. Can he and Rodrygo play together?

 

Getty Images Sport

Attack

Rodrygo (6/10):

Drifted around a bit in an attempt to get involved, but nothing really came off for him. Hesitant, at times.

Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

Before curling in an amazing goal, I did a lot of nothing. He should have finished with three, but he was better in the second half. currently has eight La Liga goals this season.

Subs & Manager

Arda Guler (6/10):

Perhaps a bit of a surprise that he didn’t start. Didn’t have too much of an impact.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Brought on to control things for the last 30 minutes, which he did very nicely.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Given the long list of ailments, set up what is likely his strongest side. His team maintained control the entire time, scored a few solid goals, and pursued the leads. Better but not flawless.