Real Madrid travelled to Getafe on Sunday looking to move level on points with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Goals from Jese Rodriguez and Karim Benzema gave Los Blancos a 2-0 lead at the interval.
Getafe improved in the second period, but Luka Modric made sure of all the points after 66 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
3.31pmAfternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Real Madrid. The home side have failed to win in their last eight in the league, with that run of form dropping them to 15th in the table. Madrid, however, have not lost in any competition since suffering defeat at Barcelona at the end of October 2013.
3.34pmIn terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five matches, with Getafe winning just once during that run of fixtures. However, that victory came in this stadium last season when they recorded a 2-1 win. Each of the last two meetings have been at the Bernabeu, with Madrid winning 4-0 and 4-1 respectively.
3.37pmTEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Alexis, Lisandro, Vigaray; Borja, Juan, Leon; Gavilan; Castro, Colunga
MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Jese
3.40pmSo there we have it. Adrian Colunga is handed the central striking role for Getafe, with Ciprian Marica on the bench. Juan Rodriguez also starts for the hosts. Madrid, meanwhile, are without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Marcelo and Xabi Alonso both return to the XI. Two attacking lineups on display in Madrid.
3.43pmThe position of 15th might seem fairly safe for Getafe, but that is not the case. The capital outfit are just four points from the relegation zone and currently on the worst winless run in the league having failed to pick up three points since beating Levante at the end of November. There is no question that they are one of eight or nine teams in the mix.
3.46pmTheir home form this season has been fairly patchy with four wins, four draws and four defeats. However, they have really struggled on the road with eight defeats from their 11 matches. If they are to survive this season, you just get the impression that the majority of their points will need to be accumulated in this stadium.
3.49pmGoals have been a problem for Getafe this season with just 22 in their 23 matches. However, that has not been the case for Real Madrid, who are the top scorers in the league with 65. Down the other end, Getafe have conceded 36 times, keeping six clean sheets in the process. Madrid currently have the third-best defensive record with just 24 conceded.
3.52pmCarlo Ancelotti's side entered Week 23 second in the table, level on points with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. They have since dropped to third following wins for their title rivals this weekend, but would move level on 60 points with victory this afternoon. The title race looks certain to go right to the wire.
3.55pmMadrid have the joint-best away record in the league this season having won eight of their 12 matches, losing just once in the process (Barcelona in October 2013). Los Blancos also enter the match having not tasted defeat in their last 24 matches in all competitions. That is an idea of the task facing Getafe in Madrid this afternoon.
3.58pmPREDICTION: Getafe enter the match in a terrible run of form, while Real Madrid have not been beaten since last October. Los Blancos might be without Ronaldo, but they still have a host of attacking talent on the field. I just cannot see anything other than a comfortable away win this afternoon. My score prediction is 3-0 Madrid.
1 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining contest in the Spanish capital. The home side get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Madrid.
2 minFar from a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, which is not much of a surprise. Getafe are one of the most poorly-supported teams in Spain, certainly in Madrid. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes with both sides attempting to settle. You just get the feeling that the home side need to ride out the opening 10 minutes or so.
4 minJust a few signs that Madrid are starting to warm to their task as they enjoy a period of possession in their own half. Plenty of space for Modric to operate as the Croatian looks for Bale, but Alexis is across to clear the danger. Getafe break with Leon, but his cross is into the hands of Diego Lopez.
5 minGetafe just cannot get the ball at the moment as Real Madrid continue to force the issue in the final third. Bale is the target for Alonso, but the Welshman cannot collect under pressure from Alexis. The first goal could be all-important in this particular match.
5 minGOAL! Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid (Jese)
6 minBrilliant, just brilliant from Jese. The young Spaniard collects a pass from Bale before curling one into the far corner. What a season Jese is having. First blood to Madrid.
8 minYou just get the feeling that this could be extremely messy for Getafe. They have hardly had a touch of the ball in the opening eight minutes, with Los Blancos in total control of proceedings. One-way traffic in the early stages in Madrid.
10 minHalf-chance for Real Madrid as Jese picks up possession outside the box before finding Bale, who dances between two defenders, but Alexis is across to clear at the vital moment. The first corner of the match is hit low by Modric, but the home side manage to clear. There is no respite, however, as Castro immediately loses control in the final third.
13 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid remain in complete control of the possession. Jese threatens with a mazy run outside the box, but Lisandro is on hand to clear. Moments later, Bale is ruled offside following a through pass from Modric.
15 minBetter from Getafe in the last couple of moments as the home side force two corners in quick succession, but Bale and Ramos take it in turns to clear the danger. If Getafe are to take something from this match, then surely they need to score the next goal.
17 minBale continues to threaten for the away side as he drives down the right before delivering into the box, but Moya is on hand to collect. Gavilan has possession down the other end moments later, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in terms of chances since that early goal for Jese.
20 minJuan Rodriguez tries his luck for the home side as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Madrid threaten down the other end with a couple of attacks in quick succession, but Moya remains untroubled. The opening 20 minutes of this contest has flown past in Madrid.
22 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Getafe have a half-chance as Gavilan beats Arbeloa before driving a low cross into the Madrid box, but Pepe clears under pressure from Colunga.
24 minHalf-chance for Bale as the Welshman cuts inside before striking one towards goal, but Moya is on hand to make the save. The pressure continues as Los Blancos work the ball around the edge of the box, but Getafe manage to quell the danger. Still 1-0 with 24 minutes on the clock.
25 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Colunga beats Pepe to the ball before advancing into the Madrid box, but Pepe is on hand to clear with a last-ditch challenge. The resulting corner also causes concern to Los Blancos, but Lopez manages to push over his own crossbar.
27 minJese remains the main threat for the away side as Bale drives through the heart of the Getafe midfield before finding the Spaniard, but Alexis is across to clear at the vital moment. More of an even contest in the last few minutes with the match flowing from end-to-end.
Jesé up to 8 goals now. Raúl got 10 in his debut season.
— AS English (@English_AS) February 16, 201427 minThe referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Bale is the latest name to enter the book following a late one on Borja, but the resulting free kick from Leon is wasted. It has been far from one-way traffic in the last few minutes.
27 minGOAL! Getafe 0-2 Real Madrid (Benzema)
28 minLos Blancos score their second just before the 30-minute mark as Di Maria drives down the left before finding Benzema, who collects before thumping one into the bottom corner.
30 minJust when Getafe thought that they were making serious strides in this match they have been undone once more. It might already be a damage limitation exercise as Los Blancos break forward once more. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
33 minOne-way traffic in the last few moments as the away side continue to dominate possession of the ball. In fairness to Getafe, they are attempting to break forward, but that is leaving space for Madrid to exploit. Another Madrid goal before the interval would certainly secure all the points.
35 minAnother opportunity for Madrid as Modric is felled on the edge of the box by Gavilan. The resulting free kick is taken by Bale, but his effort is straight into the wall. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
36 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to make it 3-0 as Benzema finds Bale inside the Getafe box, but the Welshman drags it wide from close range. That should have been game, set and match.
38 minSlight concern over the fitness of Di Maria as the Madrid midfielder hits the deck in the middle of the pitch, but he does return following a period of treatment. Getafe continue to threaten in wide areas, but their crosses have been short of the required quality thus far.
As it stands, Barça, Atlético and Madrid all on 60 points - double the points tallies of all of the teams from 10th place to 20th.
— AS English (@English_AS) February 16, 201440 minThe referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Juan Rodriguez becomes the latest name to enter the book following a late challenge, but the resulting free kick from Madrid comes to nothing as Marcelo's through pass goes behind for a goal kick. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
43 minAnother half-chance on the counter for Real Madrid as Di Maria finds Jese, but his low cross is cleared by Alexis. The resulting corner is delivered by Di Maria, but Ramos's header is deflected wide of the post. Strong pressure from Los Blancos in the latter stages of the first period.
45 minHALF TIME: Getafe 0-2 Real Madrid
4.47pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Jese and Benzema. Getafe have had their moments on the counter, but have been unable to really test Lopez. Madrid are on course to move level on points with Atletico and Barcelona at the top of the table.
4.52pmSTATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 55%, while they have had five attempts - three of which have been on target - to Getafe's three. It is a match that could be decided by the next goal. Another one for Los Blancos and it would surely be curtains.
4.57pmBENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Lafita, Pablo Sarabia and Ciprian Marica. Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Isco, Fabio Coentrao and Illarramendi in reserve. That said, it would be a surprise to see alterations made at this stage of proceedings.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have live coverage of Bilbao against Espanyol - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second period underway in the Spanish capital.
48 minNo changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of the afternoon. As expected, the away team have taken control of the possession in the early moments of the second 45 minutes. It could be a long half for Getafe, who have failed to hit the target thus far.
50 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Leon finds Colunga inside the Madrid box, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort wide of the post. One goal for Getafe would change the atmosphere inside the stadium that is for certain.
52 minHalf-chance for Madrid as Di Maria finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but Moya makes the save. The Argentine has another strike moments later which is deflected for a corner, but Valera is on hand to clear. Pressure from Los Blancos with 52 minutes on the clock.
55 minAlexis and Benzema are both booked following an altercation in the middle of the pitch, which brings a furious reaction from both sets of players. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Madrid remain in control of the possession.
57 minCouple of half-chances for Madrid as Moya palms a Di Maria effort straight into the path of Jese, but his strike is high and wide of the crossbar. Getafe are down the other end moments later, but Castro's cross is straight into the arms of Lopez.
59 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Madrid allowing Getafe back into the match following a couple of poor passes. However, the home side are not any closer to opening their tally for the afternoon. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining as the free-kick count continues to rise.
62 minHalf-chance for the home side as Castro strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes, but for different reasons. Carlo Ancelotti might be keen to rest the likes of Bale and Jese.
64 minHalf-chance for Real Madrid as Di Maria spots the run of Benzema inside the Getafe box, but the Frenchman cannot direct his effort towards goal. Moments later, there is a stoppage following an injury to Alonso. Little over 25 minutes of the contest remaining. Still Real Madrid lead 2-0.
66 minIn fairness to Getafe, they have attempted to respond this afternoon. It has not been a damage limitation exercise in the second period. The home side make their first change as Lacen replaces Borja. The home supporters have also found their voices with still a lot of football to be played in the Spanish capital.
66 minHalf-chance for the home side as Castro swings a dangerous cross into the Madrid box, but Lopez is comfortable enough to let it move behind for a goal kick. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments with little over 20 minutes remaining.
66 minGOAL! Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid (Modric)
67 minBrilliant from Modric as the Croatian finds some space outside the box before rattling one into the bottom corner. That is game, set and match.
69 minGetafe just need to be careful at the moment as a number of their players continue to dive into late challenges. However, the referee has remained calm when reviewing each situation this evening. Still no movement on the Madrid bench with little over 20 minutes remaining.
72 minHalf-chance for the home side as Rodriguez delivers a dangerous free kick into the Madrid box, but Lopez just manages to palm behind. The resulting corner also calls the Madrid goalkeeper into action, but the Spaniard deals with the danger. Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes.
74 minThe home side make their second change of the match as Sarabia replaces Leon, who has struggled to influence proceedings in Madrid. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Getafe are enjoying more of the ball. It appears that Isco will soon enter the field for Los Blancos.
76 minHalf-chance for Getafe as Sarabia finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the top corner, but it moves wide of the post. Madrid do indeed make their change moments later as Isco replaces Benzema for the final 15 minutes or so.
79 minGetafe continue to resist the pressure from Real Madrid as another attack breaks down outside the home side's box. Colunga leads a counter for Getafe moments later, but Di Maria handles and picks up a booking for his troubles. It remains 3-0 with little over 10 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
81 minPossession football from Madrid in the last few moments as they continue to pass and probe outside the box, but Getafe resist the danger. Eventually Marcelo strikes one from the edge of the box, but Moya is across to make a smart save. Moments later, Madrid make their second change as Modric is replaced by Illarramendi.
83 minUntidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as the free-kick count continues to rise. Sarabia curls a set piece from the edge of the box towards goal, but Pepe is on hand to clear over his own crossbar. Down the other end, Pepe is denied by Moya from close range.
85 minJust a reminder that the three points for Madrid will move them into second place in the table, level on points with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Los Blancos make their third and final change moments later as Casemiro replaces Di Maria. Jese, who opened the scoring, will complete the 90 minutes.
Photo of Jesé celebrating his goal. pic.twitter.com/mxbcHcHnzm
— AS English (@English_AS) February 16, 201488 minHalf-chance for Madrid as Arbeloa finds some space down the right before striking towards goal, but his cross-come-shot is high and wide of the crossbar. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from San Mames as Bilbao welcome Espanyol - be sure to remain with us for that.
90 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Getafe continue to commit numbers in the final third. They might be losing 3-0, but they have played much better this evening. That said, it is points and not performances that they need at this stage of the season. They are really struggling at the moment.
90+2 minThe fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Madrid are in control of the possession, but they are denied a fourth when Isco's effort from close range is deflected over the crossbar.
90+3 minFULL TIME: Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid
5.49pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Real Madrid claiming all three points with a 3-0 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Espanyol. Until then!
