The La Liga title is Real Madrid’s to lose now after they seized control of the title race, going four points clear of second place. On an important night, Zinedine Zidane’s men found the depth of quality and willpower to get past feisty neighbours Getafe.
Their sixth straight victory since returning from pandemic-enforced break was hard-fought, as Getafe are no push-overs, but Madrid had their band of experienced campaigners to rely on.
The table-toppers showed grit as they clinically capitalized on Barcelona’s recent wobble to go four points clear of their arch-rivals, with five games left to play.
Up stepped Sergio Ramos to score the decisive penalty and secure the points, the Madrid captain is in typical goalscoring form registering his most prolific league campaign (nine goals) whilst becoming the highest-scoring defender in La Liga history. He has scored the most goals in the league since the return (four goals), also, following up a sumptuous free-kick against Mallorca with this well-taken late penalty to give them the advantage at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Unity and determination have been the hallmark of Madrid’s title charge, and every unit down to the substitutes have played their part.
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| Madrid’s Mr Reliable bears continued importance to their title charge. (AFP via Getty Images) |
Karim Benzema’s work rate remains as high as ever and he seems to have greatly benefited from the long rest during lockdown. The Frenchman has stepped up to the fore in front of goal, netting 52 goals and 21 assists since Cristiano Ronaldo left whilst losing none of the selfless linkup play that has defined his Madrid career. The 32-year-old looks in incredible shape and has found his scoring boots since the restart, scoring an amazing volley against Valencia and setting up Casemiro’s winner with a smart back-heeled nutmeg at Espanyol. The striker’s record stands at 17 goals and 7 assists in 32 La Liga games this season.
Benzema remains key to Madrid’s fortunes, his durability – he has missed only 19 minutes of their six games so far – further suits his status as one of Zidane’s true ‘irreplaceables’ in a star-studded squad. The ridiculous depth of quality available is a big reason why Madrid have overtaken a lacklustre Barcelona, Los Blancos could even afford to give Eden Hazard the night off ahead of a testing trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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| Zidane’s rich squad is expected to see off the rest of the season. (AFP via Getty Images) |
Crucially, Madrid have been defensively solid all season, conceding only twice since the restart as Thibaut Courtois now stands alone as the goalkeeper with the most shutouts (16) in Europe’s top five leagues. The Belgian has been superb but has a hard-working defensive unit in front of him, boosted by the robust presence of Casemiro and Fede Valverde in midfield.
READ: Behind Real Madrid’s El Clasico success
With an unbreakable, hard-working unit – most of whom won three consecutive Champions League titles – and hungry, talented reserves; Zidane has been able to instill a gritty assault on the La Liga title.
👊 TEAM— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 2, 2020
This group won’t be letting up, and on the prospect of a first title since 2017, well-deserving.
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