Real Madrid: We Survived, Kaka Plays in Close 3-2 Defeat of Getafe

Real Madrid headed into their clash with Getafe knowing a win would bring them to within two points of Barcelona, which is striking distance.  Getafe were seventh in La Liga, which is a spot that allows Europa League entry, depending on team performance in the Copa del Rey.  That's a respectable position in one of Europe's toughest leagues.  

The game opened with a bang in the 10th minute, when the jersey of Angel di Maria was tugged and he fell down in the penalty box.  Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and buried the penalty kick for his 18th goal of the season.  

In the 19th minute, Mezut Ozil took a through ball from di Maria, cut around the keeper and laid the ball in to an empty net for his fifth goal of the season.  

In the 29th minute Getafe responded as Spaniard Daniel Parejo powered a shot past Iker Casillas and cut the deficit to one; the score at halftime was 2-1 Los Blancos.

In the 59th minute Karim Benzema gave Cristiano Ronaldo a ball near the edge of the box and he slid and tapped it home, giving him 19 goals on the season! The score was then 3-1 and Real Madrid was looking like they had sealed things with their sharp play, but in the 85th minute Juan Angel Albin scored and made it a one goal game.  

The rest of the game was nerve-wracking for this Real fan, especially after Arbeloa had already been given two yellow cards, one of which was kind of a harsh call on a handball, but it was understandable.  

The last 10 or so minutes were very tight but Real Madrid defended well and got a free kick in the 93rd minute, which Ronaldo took a long time to play, sealing the game.  

Real Madrid played well and Cristiano Ronaldo again played fantastically.  I admit, I'm biased, but I think some people should not be so dismissive of the fact Ronaldo may be as good as or better than Lionel Messi.  

They both have strengths, but Ronaldo is the best free kick taker in the world (something Messi isn't great at), he is automatic on penalties and he makes everyone around him that much better.  Messi may be better overall, but they can be mentioned in the same breath.

Benzema had the best game he has had in a while and he had some quality chances up front while getting an assist before being subbed out with around 20 minutes left. Different sources have said that Real Madrid will not give Jose Mourinho the funds to buy a striker, so with Higuain out for the season Benzema will be vital if Los Galacticos want to win the title.  

Kaka was subbed on with around 20 minutes left and his play was very encouraging for Real fans. He looked energetic, moved the ball well and even had a half-chance in stoppage time, but he couldn't turn the corner and his shot was off target.  Hopefully, he will be able to start soon and work magic with Ronaldo.

The important thing is that Real Madrid grabbed three important points and are only two off of the trail of Barcelona.  If everything goes according to plan for both teams, the next edition of El Clasico could decide the league title.