Real Madrid’s back-up players saved their top players for their crucial Champions League semi-final against Manchester City with a 1-0 win over Getafe.
Marco Asensio scored the only goal in the 70th minute. Real Madrid have turned their attention from defending their domestic title to winning the Champions League and Copa del Rey. Barcelona, on the other hand, can secure the domestic title if they win against Espanyol, needing just two points from their remaining matches.
It will be their first victory in the league since the departure of Lionel Messi two seasons ago.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded just four first-choice players against Getafe to prioritize the upcoming second leg against Manchester City. Kamavanga suffered a knock but is expected to recover. Karim Benzema, Rodrigo and David Alba were left out of the squad due to minor fitness concerns. Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were used as substitutes in the second half. Ancelotti praised the professionalism of his players and the boost the result provided.
Relegation-fighting Getafe paid tribute to Real Madrid for winning the Copa del Rey. Eden Hazard, who has started just one league game this season, made a rare start. The match was sensational in the first half but Real Madrid improved in the second half. Asensio scored the winner with a long-range shot.
Asensio, who is known to make an impact as a substitute, is likely to play a similar role in the upcoming match against Manchester City.
In the race for the final Champions League spot, Villarreal closed the gap on fourth-placed Real Sociedad with a 5-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Villarreal are now five points behind Sociedad with four games remaining. Girona, a surprise performer this season, earned a 2-2 draw against Sociedad, continuing their strong form and positioning themselves for a Conference League berth.
Osasuna bounced back from their defeat to beat Almeria 3-1 in the Copa del Rey final, with loanee Abde Ezalzouli impressing with a goal.
Overall, Real Madrid’s back-up players secured a narrow win against Getafe, keeping their top players fresh for the crucial Champions League match against Manchester City. Barcelona have a chance to win the domestic title, while Villarreal and Girona are in contention for the Champions League final.
