VAR WINS IT Raphael key to Real victory
RAPHAEL VARANE had a hand in two goals as Real Madrid cruised past neighbours Getafe 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, and then headed in the second shortly after half-time.
Thibaut Courtois was forced to make a string of fine saves for Madrid before the visitors added a late third from Luka Modric.
The win extended Madrid’s unbeaten streak to 10 league matches.
Madrid, without the suspended Sergio Ramos, were soon relying on Courtois (below) to keep them level.
The ex-chelsea goalkeeper produced a stunning save to parry out Mauro Arambarri’s volley from the edge of the area in the 24th minute.
Ten minutes later,
Madrid were ahead when keeper Soria, under pressure from Varane, failed to punch Ferland
Mendy’s cross clear as the ball ricocheted off his arm into the empty net.
Courtois again kept Madrid ahead at the break.
The Belgian pushed Fajr’s effort wide and then did the
Getafe 0 Real Madrid 3
same to prevent Leandro Cabrera heading in the equaliser from close range.
But Madrid made it 2-0 on 53 minutes when unmarked Varane headed in Toni Kroos’ free-kick, with VAR confirming the Frenchman was onside.
Gareth Bale had a glorious chance to
to bed, chipping an effort straight at Soria after he was played in.
But they added a third in added time when Modric converted from Federico Valverde’s pass, condemning Getafe to just a second home league defeat this season.