Ronaldo gives Real Madrid 2-1 win at Getafe in La Liga
MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo saved Real Madrid from another setback in the Spanish league by scoring late to beat Getafe 2-1 yesterday. Ronaldo’s 85th-minute winner from inside the area came after a perfect long pass by Isco. He let the ball bounce in front of him and fired into the far corner to keep Madrid near the top of the standings. It was the first league goal for Ronaldo, who had been ineffective during most of the match at Alfonso Perez Coliseum in southern Madrid. “We know that when we need Cristiano, he is always there for us,” Madrid left back Marcelo said.
The victory moved Madrid to within four points of leader Barcelona, which visited fifth-placed Atletico Madrid later. Sevilla dropped to third place, one point behind Madrid, after losing at Athletic Bilbao 1-0.
REAL MADRID RISE
Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Madrid with a great run into the area, getting past a defender with a quick touch before sending a low shot into the far corner. It was also the first league goal for Benzema this season. The French striker was returning from injury.
Striker Jorge Molina equalized for the hosts early in the second half with a slight deflection from close range after the Madrid defense was unable to clear a low cross from the right side. Replays showed Molina was offside.
Madrid controlled possession after the equalizer but wasn’t able to create many chances until Ronaldo struck. Getafe, which had a few chances to equalize in the final minutes, also conceded late goals in home losses to