Arda Guler's rocket ignites Real Madrid's title chase in Getafe triumph

The result keeps their title hopes alive as they head into a blockbuster Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti, with the weekend's final in sight, rotated six players from the side that edged Athletic Club 1-0. Getafe, led by Jose Bordalas, showed no fear against their glamorous rivals.

Early on, Luis Milla tested Thibaut Courtois with a sharp shot, signaling the hosts' intent. "We knew we had to be aggressive," Bordalas said post-match, per an X update from Getafe's official account.

The game pulsed with chances. Getafe's Borja Mayoral nodded wide from Juan Iglesias' cross, while Real's Fran Garcia forced a save from David Soria after a lightning counter.

The breakthrough came in the first half when 19-year-old Arda Guler unleashed a stunning long-range strike after Getafe failed to clear. "It was a special moment," Guler said.

Endrick nearly doubled the lead, linking with Vinicius Junior, but Djene's goalline clearance kept Getafe in it.

After the break, Getafe's substitutes nearly stole a point. Real loanee Alvaro Rodriguez headed just over from Coba da Costa's cross.

At the other end, Soria denied Brahim Diaz, while Vinicius, relentless on the left, curled a shot over. Getafe remained dangerous, with Mauro Arambarri wasting a golden chance from Mayoral's cutback. "We had our moments but needed to be clinical," Bordalas lamented.

Real Madrid sealed the win, though not without concern. Eduardo Camavinga limped off late with a suspected groin injury, casting doubt over his availability for the final.

Ancelotti, in a post-match X update from Real Madrid, said, "We'll assess him, but the team showed resilience." Getafe, meanwhile, stay 12th, with just one home league win in their last eight. Bordalas' La Liga record against Real remains winless in 15 attempts.

The victory sets the stage for a seismic clash with Barcelona, as Real Madrid's squad depth and Guler's emerging brilliance keep their season's ambitions burning bright.

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