|
|
Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho's men grind out valuable victory courtesy of first half Sergio Ramos header
The former Sevilla defender scored what was to be the only goal of the game in the 18th minute as Jose Mourinho's men extended their lead at the top of La Liga.
Feb 4, 2012 3:55:00 PM
By Luke Matthews
Real Madrid earned a narrow 1-0 win against local rival Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez courtesy of Sergio Ramos' solitary strike on Saturday evening to extend its lead at the top of La Liga to 10 points.
Sergio Ramos scored with a bullet header in the 18th minute in what was to prove the only goal of the game to help his side build up a hefty lead over Barcelona, which entertains Real Sociedad later tonight.
The home side made a bright start to proceedings and could have gained the lead in the third minute. Juan Valera's cross into the box was cushioned into the path of Abdelaziz Barrada by Javier Casquero, with the French-born midfielder blazing the ball over the bar from 10 yards out.
However, Madrid soon to began to take control of the encounter and grabbed the lead in the 18th minute. Mesut Ozil's precise corner found the head of an unmarked Sergio Ramos who saw his powerful header ease into the top corner of the net, leaving Miguel Angel Moya helpless - Ramos' fourth goal of the season and Ozil's 11 Liga assist of the current campaign.
Jose Mourinho's men continued to dominate possession, yet for all their time on the ball they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first-half,though Cristiano Ronaldo did sting the palms of the goalkeeper in the 35th minute with a free kick on the edge of the box.
Three minutes later it was Getafe's turn to come close to scoring from a set piece with Casquero's ball finding the head of Juan Rodriguez, who saw his effort flicked just wide of goal from Miku as Getafe headed into the break 1-0 down.
Both sides made a slow start to the second period yet the visitors should have doubled their lead in the 62nd minute. Ozil slid a delightful through ball to Karim Benzema yet the France international saw his 12 yard effort well-blocked by Moya to keep his side in the encounter.
Despite not being anywhere near its best, Madrid looked like the only side in the encounter and nearly added that elusive second goal in the 78th minute when Xabi Alonso found substitute Gonzalo Higuain in space. The Argentine cut in field before smashing a powerful effort towards the corner of the goal, yet Moya pulled off a terrific stop.
The away team did find the net again in the 89th minute when Ronaldo sweeped the ball home following Jose Callejon's pass yet the referee correctly ruled the strike offside, as the game ended with Madrid holding on to their slender lead, picking up all three points in the process.
Next up for Mourinho's men is a home encounter versus Levante on February 12 while Getafe travels to Rayo Vallecano the same day.
Sergio Ramos scored with a bullet header in the 18th minute in what was to prove the only goal of the game to help his side build up a hefty lead over Barcelona, which entertains Real Sociedad later tonight.
The home side made a bright start to proceedings and could have gained the lead in the third minute. Juan Valera's cross into the box was cushioned into the path of Abdelaziz Barrada by Javier Casquero, with the French-born midfielder blazing the ball over the bar from 10 yards out.
However, Madrid soon to began to take control of the encounter and grabbed the lead in the 18th minute. Mesut Ozil's precise corner found the head of an unmarked Sergio Ramos who saw his powerful header ease into the top corner of the net, leaving Miguel Angel Moya helpless - Ramos' fourth goal of the season and Ozil's 11 Liga assist of the current campaign.
Jose Mourinho's men continued to dominate possession, yet for all their time on the ball they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first-half,though Cristiano Ronaldo did sting the palms of the goalkeeper in the 35th minute with a free kick on the edge of the box.
Three minutes later it was Getafe's turn to come close to scoring from a set piece with Casquero's ball finding the head of Juan Rodriguez, who saw his effort flicked just wide of goal from Miku as Getafe headed into the break 1-0 down.
Both sides made a slow start to the second period yet the visitors should have doubled their lead in the 62nd minute. Ozil slid a delightful through ball to Karim Benzema yet the France international saw his 12 yard effort well-blocked by Moya to keep his side in the encounter.
Despite not being anywhere near its best, Madrid looked like the only side in the encounter and nearly added that elusive second goal in the 78th minute when Xabi Alonso found substitute Gonzalo Higuain in space. The Argentine cut in field before smashing a powerful effort towards the corner of the goal, yet Moya pulled off a terrific stop.
The away team did find the net again in the 89th minute when Ronaldo sweeped the ball home following Jose Callejon's pass yet the referee correctly ruled the strike offside, as the game ended with Madrid holding on to their slender lead, picking up all three points in the process.
Next up for Mourinho's men is a home encounter versus Levante on February 12 while Getafe travels to Rayo Vallecano the same day.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.