Sergio Ramos scored his fourth goal in six games as Real Madrid edged 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 after Getafe’s Mathias Olivera brought down Dani Carvajal with a stray leg.
Ramos has proved pivotal in Real’s title charge since the resumption of play, looking excellent at the back alongside Raphael Varane – who had to be replaced by Eder Militao early on after taking a whack to the head – while also popping up with vital contributions in the attacking third.
Zinedine Zidane made two changes from the side that beat Espanyol last time out, with Ferland Mendy swapping in for Marcelo and Vinicius Junior replacing Eden Hazard – who was not included in the matchday squad.
Getafe, who have Champions League qualification aspirations of their own, started brightly with Olivera heading straight at Thibaut Courtois before Xabier Etxeita forced another scrambling save from the Belgium international.
It took Real roughly 25 minutes to muster up their first chance, with Vinicius forcing a stop from David Soria with a low drive.
Striker Karim Benzema, who has been in terrific form since football’s hiatus ended, had an unusually quiet game up front, while Wales international Gareth Bale was an unused substitute.
The result sends Los Blancos four points clear at the top of La Liga as Zidane and his side search 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 Barça in action against Villarreal later that evening.
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