Raphael’s work of art helps Real to triumph

Raphael Varane played his part in two goals as Real Madrid beat Getafe 3-0 on their return to La Liga action after the winter break.

The France defender provided the aerial challenge which led to David Soria’s own goal then headed in the second shortly after half-time.

Thibaut Courtois was forced to make a string of fine saves for Madrid before Real added a late third from Luka Modric.

The win extended the Bernabeu side’s unbeaten streak to 10 league matches as they stayed in the thick of the title race.

Madrid, without the suspended Sergio Ramos, started on the front foot with Karim Benzema having a header saved but they were soon relying on Courtois to keep them level.

The keeper produced a stunning save to parry Mauro Arambarri’s volley.

Ten minutes later Real were ahead. Keeper Soria, under pressure from Varane (right), failed to punch Ferland Mendy’s cross clear as the ball ricocheted off his arm and into the empty net.

Soon it was over to Courtois again to keep Madrid ahead at the break. The Belgian pushed Faycal Fajr’s effort wide and then did the same to prevent Leandro Cabrera heading in the equaliser.

But Zinedine Zidane’s men made it 2-0 after 53 minutes when the unmarked Varane headed in Toni Kroos’ free-kick, with VAR confirming the Frenchman had stayed onside. Soria then kept out Dani

Carvajal’s shot but Real added a third in added time when Modric converted from Federico Valverde’s pass, condemning Getafe to only their second home league defeat this term. Dani Carvajal hailed the performance of Courtois and said: “He kept us in the match with his two or three great saves.”

Meanwhile, Felipe got the winner as Atletico Madrid stayed in the top four with a 2-1 victory over Levante.

Maxi Gomez was on target as Valencia dumped Eibar – who had Paulo Oliveira sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence – 1-0. In France, Keita Balde bagged a double as Monaco saw off Reims 2-1 in the French Cup.