Getafe vs. Real Madrid: Score, Grades, Reaction from La Liga Game

Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid put their Copa del Rey exit behind them with a 3-0 win at Getafe to lay down the gauntlet to their Liga rivals.

Two goals in four second-half minutes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale sealed the points after a lacklustre display from the Primera Liga leaders in the opening half-hour of the match.

Ronaldo ended a week in which he won the Ballon d'Or with a further goal in the 79th minute to maintain Real Madrid's place at the top of the table.

It had been a sluggish start for Real Madrid, with a lack of rhythm preventing Carlo Ancelotti's team from hitting their stride.

Marcelo swapped passes with Karim Benzema in the 12th minute but fired over despite Gareth Bale being in a better position to the Brazilian's right.

But it remained a relatively disjointed performance from Los Blancos, who looked very uninspired in the opening stages at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Indeed, the most threatening player on the pitch was Getafe midfielder Sammir, who was orchestrating his team's work from the middle.

Isco came close to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute, but he was denied by a tremendous block inside the area before Bale and Benzema linked up to set up the Frenchman, whose drive was repelled by Getafe goalkeeper Jordi Codina.

Real were now finally beginning to come to life, and James Rodriguez threatened on the half-hour mark before being hauled down on the edge of the area, but Cristiano Ronaldo's resulting free-kick came to nothing.

Toni Kroos found himself cautioned for pulling back Sammir as the Croatian looked for a run through the middle.

Codina was called into action once more in the 37th minute when Isco worked space for himself to send a curling effort toward goal. But the Getafe No. 1 pushed the ball over the crossbar.

A great run by Pedro Leon on the right set up Pablo Sarabia, but the Spanish forward's shot flew over Iker Casillas' goal.

Kroos then struck the crossbar in the final minute of the half after a foul on Bale saw the ball drop into the Germany international's path, so the first period ended goalless.

Benzema produced some good movement to set up a shooting opportunity from a James pass, but Codina was once more behind the ball to thwart the effort.

Getafe switched Sarabia for Freddy Hinestroza in the 56th minute, before Bale forced a fine save from Codina with a strike from the edge of the area.

James was booked for pulling back Leon as the Getafe man looked for a run on goal. 

Ronaldo had had a relatively quiet game but was in the right place at the right time in the 63rd minute.

The Ballon d'Or winner began the move on the right before successive passes from Isco and James put Benzema on the ball in the left-hand channel. The France forward wriggled his way toward goal before picking out Ronaldo on the edge of the six-yard area, and he finally beat Codina.

Four minutes later, Real doubled their advantage. James chased down the left before sending a over a great cross for Bale to latch onto and send beyond Codina with the outside of his left boot.

Karim Yoda replaced Leon in the 74th minute as Getafe looked for an impact to change the course of the game.

The substitute was a lively presence, and Ancelotti's team were fortunate to escape without giving away a penalty when the Ivorian was brought down by Dani Carvajal.

But any thoughts of a fightback were ended in the 79th minute. James floated over another fine cross to find Ronaldo, who headed home.

In the 85th minute, however, Getafe missed a glaring opportunity when striker Alvaro struck the post from just yards out with Casillas beaten and the goal gaping. 

However, the win did not come without concern for Real Madrid after Bale left the field limping following a challenge in injury time. 

Selected Player Ratings

Karim Benzema: A+

The one Real Madrid player to truly shine in the opening 45 minutes, working effectively with Bale particularly. Provided a great assist for Ronaldo's opener.

Jordi Codina: A-

The Getafe goalkeeper was in great form to deny a number of Real Madrid chances as the game progressed.

Gareth Bale: A

Bale worked hard to help Real find their rhythm in a disappointing opening period for Los Blancos and was denied a goal in the first half by Codina. He took his 67th-minute goal with style.

What's Ahead

Getafe will be at home again next Monday when they entertain Celta Vigo in La Liga, while Real Madrid travel to Cordoba on Saturday.

Post-Match Reaction