Sergio Ramos scored his fourth goal in six games as Real Madrid beat Getafe 1-0 to stay in pole position in the La Liga title race.
The Spanish striker – sorry, ‘centre back’ – converted a penalty in his 450th La Liga match for Real late in the second half when Getafe’s Mathias Oliveira brought down Dani Carvajal with a stray leg.
Ramos has been pivotal in Real’s title charge since play resumed, looking excellent at the back alongside Rafael Varane – who initially had to replace Eder Militau after picking up a knock to the head. – while important contributions also emerged. The third attack.
Ramos has an interesting party and also has a wonderful beard / Angel Martinez / Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane made two changes to the team that beat Espanyol last time out, with Ferland Mendy replacing Marcelo and Vinicius Junior in place of Eden Hazard – who was not included in the matchday squad.
Getafe, who have Champions League qualification aspirations of their own, got off to a flying start when Oliveira headed straight for Thibaut Courtois, before Xavier Etxeta forced another flurry from the Belgium international.
It took around 25 minutes for Real to have their first chance, Vinicius forcing David Soria to stop with a low drive.
? FP: @realmadrid 1-0 @GetafeCF
⚽ @SergioRamos 45′ (p) #Emirates | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/sI9hxtZxew
— Real Madrid CF⚽ (@realmadrid) July 2, 2020
Striker Karim Benzema, who has been in superb form since the football break, had an unusually calm game up front, while Wales international Gareth Bale was an unused substitute.
The result moves Los Blancos four points clear at the top of La Liga as Zidane and his side look for their first domestic league title since the 2016/17 season.
Next up for Real is a trip to Europa League qualification contenders Athletic Club on Sunday, with title rivals Barca in action against Villarreal later that evening.
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