Arda Güler’s first-half thunderbolt earned Real Madrid a narrow 1-0 victory at Getafe on Wednesday, keeping Carlo Ancelotti’s side within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The 19-year-old Turkish midfielder lashed in a 20-yard strike midway through the first half after Madrid recycled possession from a seemingly wasted opportunity by Brahim Diaz. Despite a touch from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria, Güler’s shot had too much power as it found the back of the net.
Madrid’s win matches Barcelona’s 1-0 triumph at Mallorca a day earlier, maintaining the tension in the title race ahead of a high-stakes El Clásico in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final. That encounter in Seville could feature Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to return from injury, with another league showdown between the rivals set for May 11.
However, Madrid’s latest win came at a cost. Defender David Alaba and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga were both forced off with suspected muscle issues. “It will certainly be difficult for them to be available on Saturday,” Ancelotti confirmed.
Making his first La Liga start in Mbappé’s absence, 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick showed promise, nearly scoring his second goal in the competition, but his shot was cleared off the line after a save from Soria.
Getafe, to their credit, pressed for an equalizer. Mauro Arambarri wasted their best chance, dragging his shot wide in the second half with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. Madrid’s veteran goalkeeper was called into action again in stoppage time, producing a crucial double-save to secure all three points.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Inaki Williams continued Athletic Bilbao’s strong push for Champions League qualification with a fifth-minute winner in a 1-0 home victory over Las Palmas. The Basque club remain fourth, eight points clear of Villarreal, who slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Celta Vigo.
Bilbao’s European campaign also remains alive, with a Europa League semi-final against Manchester United on the horizon. If successful, they could contest the final at their home ground.
Meanwhile, Alaves moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, pushing Las Palmas into the bottom three. Sixth-placed Real Betis, one point behind Villarreal, play basement side Valladolid on Thursday as the race for European places intensifies.
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