Real Madrid go four points clear after edging Getafe
MADRID: Real Madrid took a big step towards winning La Liga on Thursday by battling past Getafe to move four points clear of Barcelona, with five games left.
Sergio Ramos' late penalty proved the difference at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium where Madrid were made to feel uncomfortable by Getafe but dug out a gutsy 1-0 victory worthy of champions.
This was arguably Madrid's toughest fixture remaining and with a four-point advantage over Barca, as well as the superior head-to-head, the trophy is now firmly within their grasp.
"We have not won anything," insisted coach Zinedine Zidane.
"We are doing things well, yes, but there are five games still to go. If we continue like this, staying solid, it will be fine."
It is Madrid's biggest lead over Barcelona since September and their biggest cushion at the top of the table all season.
If they can beat Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Sunday, Madrid could even pull seven points clear before Barca face a difficult game away at in-form Villarreal a few hours later.
Barcelona's 2-2 draw at home to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, coming on the back of another 2-2 draw away at Celta Vigo last weekend, gave Zidane's side an opening and they have taken full advantage.
"My job is to make them calm in the difficult moments," said Zidane. "To be quiet, patient, positive. They believe in what we do."
Six wins out six since the restart, with only two goals conceded, has made for a relentless run of form and it would take a monumental collapse now to let Barca back in.
Eden Hazard was left out of the squad as he continues his recovery from a troublesome foot injury but Ramos and the excellent Karim Benzema led the way again.
Raphael Varane went off in the first half with a neck injury.
"He's not well," said Zidane. "He took a hit to his neck and he is at home. The doctor has gone to see him and tomorrow we will see how he is." - AFP