Getafe vs. Real Madrid: 6 Things We Learned in La Liga Clash

Real Madrid ended with another incredibly disappointing result on Sunday night as they lost 2-1 away to Getafe.

Maybe Madrid should be worried. Maybe the team and supporters should look to a slow start last season as well, as the team started with two wins out of four. But it was obvious just how poor Jose Mourinho's side was on the night.

In the Spanish capital, it has been other Madrid-based teams who are creating the positive headlines.

Atletico Madrid would have been encouraged by their 4-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, while Rayo Vallecano currently sit third in the La Liga table with six points.

But Mourinho was noticeably uneasy throughout much of the game against Getafe. And with Barcelona picking up the wins and finding paths to goal, Real Madrid need to shake themselves out of this slump, and quick.

Real Madrid Lacking Inspiration

There is nothing wrong with Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria's ability to create, but Real Madrid look so far off the boil it's unreal.

The quickness of Real's attack was gone from this game, as was their ability to really frighten the opposition. The team were creating chances in and around the box, but very little looked convincing, especially in the second half.

This club have not seen any key figures depart (yet). However, there's something clearly missing from this team. Preseason could have been an issue, where the trip to America and the commercial successes of it are now taking its toll on the performances of the players.

What is interesting is that Barcelona look much better prepared and fresher for this season. This genuinely could be a late, late escape out of the starting gates for Madrid, but the price will clearly be costly.

Team Lack Quality in a Notable Area of the Pitch

This Real Madrid team has outstanding attacking quality, but the real issue that needs addressing is the lack of a Claude Makelele figure on the middle of the pitch.

Lassana Diarra was again handed a start by Jose Mourinho against Getafe, but I fail to see what he brings to this side. He can be sloppy in possession while not enforcing a great presence or authority on the game.

At the moment, there is no one on the team capable of stopping opposition attacks effectively and consistently through the centre of the pitch.

Luka Modric has been brought in, and that may now add something extra in attack, but a move for someone like Yann M'Vila would have been a much better and necessary acquisition. The French international would add a great deal of power and defensive composure to this Real Madrid side—something they're clearly lacking now.

It was notable by Getafe's second goal that Madrid really can be opened up in the midfield, although it was helped by some poor substitute choices by Jose Mourinho. The game against Bayern Munich last season at the Bernabeu was also an excellent example of how easy it is to waltz through the Madrid midfield.

High Defensive Line Proved to Be Dangerous

It's clear that Real Madrid's high defensive line, especially from set pieces, is not something that drifts into the tactics sheet depending on the opposition. Jose Mourinho has instructed his side to hold a high line and tackle the opposition attacks from further up the field.

But as we saw from Getafe's first goal on the night, the high line from the set piece is extremely dangerous and could be exploited further by a better opponent.

It was Sergio Ramos who missed his marker as Getafe leveled the score at 1-1, but the lack of aerial power on the Madrid side is also a factor.

Madrid Need to Thunder Through Their Fixtures Until They Meet Barcelona in the League

Three defeats in three opening games in all competitions for Real Madrid is simply not good enough. Furthermore, it's simply not good enough for Jose Mourinho, especially after labeling himself "The Only One."

It's only a five-point difference between themselves and Barcelona in the league, but even so early in the campaign, it is extremely worrying.

It's imperative Real Madrid power through their next set of league fixtures and ensure they make up ground by the time they meet Barcelona in October.

It's not to say it can't be done, but the loss to Getafe suggests that there is little to no margin for error going forward. The team only dropped 14 points all season last year. With only two games gone, five points is simply too many.

Jose Mourinho Looking to Give Squad Players More of a Chance

It was a criticism aimed at Jose Mourinho last season that he didn't use his full squad effectively.

Raul Albiol has found his way into the side, although that's heavily in part to Pepe's injury. It has also been good to see Gonzalo Higuain reassured of his importance to this Real Madrid side, even though he is not a "squad player."

Adding to that is the inclusion of Lassana Diarra, despite him perhaps not being good enough to contribute in great waves this season.

Youth does need to be another addition to Mourinho's side via the academy. Alvaro Morata featured in the loss to Getafe, which was a pleasant inclusion, and many will be hoping for more of this same going forward.

The Real Madrid squad and the value of certain players may be questioned this season, but at least Mourinho is starting to acknowledge the importance of his full selection of players.

A Worrying State for Getafe

A small observation from Getafe's point of view is the worryingly small crowd on hand for the Madrid derby.

Real Madrid and Getafe contested in a match in front of around 10,000 people—just more than half of what the Coliseum holds. The cameras continually exposed the gaping holes in the crowd, while almost whole sections in the stands were empty.

It could be a case of ticket prices exceeding what fans are looking to spend, or maybe it's simply that the match was broadcast on national television. Either way, the small turnout from the home fans doesn't sit well, especially as one of the biggest teams in Europe are the visitors.