Real Madrid kept their LaLiga title hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday night, thanks to a sensational first-half strike from rising Turkish star Arda Guler. The victory pulls Los Blancos within just four points of league leaders Barcelona, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the season.
Guler, just 19, delivered a moment of brilliance midway through the opening half, firing a powerful 20-yard shot past Getafe goalkeeper David Soria after Brahim Diaz recovered a seemingly lost opportunity. The goal marked another milestone in Guler’s breakout season and gave Carlo Ancelotti’s men a vital three points away from home.
The win comes just 24 hours after Barcelona edged Mallorca 1-0, maintaining their narrow lead at the top of the table. With the season approaching its climax, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s Copa del Rey final in Seville, where Real Madrid and Barcelona will clash once again. Superstar Kylian Mbappe is expected to return from injury for the blockbuster Clasico, which could be a decisive encounter in both domestic competitions.
Madrid’s teenage Brazilian forward Endrick made his first LaLiga start, stepping in as Jude Bellingham was rested on the bench. Endrick nearly doubled Madrid’s lead in the second half after a slick setup by Vinicius Junior, but Soria managed to parry the effort before Djene Dakonam cleared it off the line.
Fran Garcia, starting at left-back, twice came close to scoring in the first half. His initial shot was saved by Soria, and the follow-up attempt flew high and wide, keeping the pressure on the home side.
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Getafe weren’t without chances of their own. Mauro Arambarri squandered a golden opportunity in the second half, dragging his shot wide with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. The Belgian goalkeeper proved crucial again in stoppage time, diving to deny a late equalizer after a frantic scramble in the six-yard box involving Peter, Juanmi, and Madrid loanee Alvaro Rodriguez.
In another key LaLiga fixture, Inaki Williams scored early to secure a 1-0 win for Athletic Bilbao over Las Palmas. The result strengthens Bilbao’s position in fourth place, eight points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal, who were humbled 3-0 by Celta Vigo.
Bilbao now eye a potential Champions League qualification and have a Europa League semifinal clash against Manchester United on the horizon. If they go all the way, they could host the final at their home stadium — a historic opportunity for the Basque giants.
With five LaLiga clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League, sixth-placed Real Betis will look to close the gap when they face bottom-placed Valladolid on Thursday.
As the season hurtles toward a thrilling conclusion, both Madrid clubs and the Basque challengers remain locked in a tense battle for silverware and European glory.
