Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe: Player ratings as Blancos close gap to Atletico

Real Madrid eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Getafe on Tuesday evening, closing the gap on league leaders Atletico Madrid to five points.

Los Blancos controlled the game from the get-go, and squandered several chances to break the deadlock in a one-sided first half. Karim Benzema hit the crossbar with a header from a corner, Luka Modric forced a smart save from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria, and the French striker also tested the Spanish shot-stopper, but to no avail.

Madrid had to wait until the hour mark to poke their noses in front, when Benzema finally got the better of Soria, glancing home a near-post header from a glorious Vinicius Jr cross from the right.

That lead was doubled six minutes later, when Ferland Mendy started a flowing move on the left flank, and then ended it by meeting Marcelo’s cross and sliding the ball over the line from inside the six-yard box.

Los Merengues saw out the game well against a Getafe side that did not manage a shot on target all match, and claimed a vital three points in their disappointing defence of the Spanish title.

Let’s check out the player ratings from a commanding Madrid victory on Tuesday night.

Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 6/10 – Watched one effort sail over the crossbar – the only shot he faced all evening. It’s a six for the Belgian, but you can only save what’s fired at you. Nothing, in this case.

Raphael Varane (CB) – 7/10 – Once again required to lead without Sergio Ramos at his side. Fortunately, there was little in the way of danger over the 90 minutes. Did what was required of him, though.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) – 7/10 – A quiet evening for Nacho. No thrills or spills, just good, solid defending.

Ferland Mendy (CB) – 8/10 – Played on the left of a three-man defence, and did so with verve and gusto. Underlapped up the pitch when given the chance, and his bravery was rewarded with a well-worked goal to kill the game.

Marvin Park (RWB) – 7/10 – A very accomplished display from the youngster. Posed a threat on the ball and never abandoned his duties. A composed performance.

Casemiro (CM) – 7/10 – Had less breaking up and hard tackling to do this time round, given Getafe’s lack of stomach for the fight. Played the game nicely, though.

Luka Modric (CM) – 8/10 – Could have stuck his name on the scoresheet with a fierce drive from range, but Soria got just enough on it to turn the shot around the post. Dominated the ball in the midfield.

Marcelo (LWB) – 8/10 – Enjoyed the opportunity to defend less and marked the occasion with a lovely assist, curling a cross into an onrushing Mendy’s path.

Marco Asensio (RW) – 7/10 – Getting back to the sharpness of old and brought others into the game very well. Just waiting to spark back into life.

Karim Benzema (ST) – 8/10 – The star for every occasion. No matter how big or small the game, Benzema will step up. Got Madrid firing with a neat header and could have had two or three more. Integral once again.

Vinicius Junior (LW) – 8/10 – Whipped in a glorious cross for Benzema to open the scoring. Demonstrated some excellent end product as well as his usual tricks and dribbles.

Sergio Arribas (RWB) – 7/10

Isco (RW) – 6/10

Victor Chust (CB) – N/A