Real Madrid Secure Vital Away Win at Getafe in Title Pursuit

The La Liga title race remains alive. Real Madrid closed the gap on Barcelona to four points by securing a 1-0 away win against Getafe on Wednesday. With manager Carlo Ancelotti rotating the squad ahead of Saturday`s Copa del Rey final clash against Barcelona, backup players were given a chance. Arda Guler proved decisive, scoring the only goal of the match to earn Los Blancos all three points.

While Real Madrid`s squad appears strong on paper, rotation has sometimes led to dropped points this season, with injuries and absences stretching the team`s depth. However, Guler produced a moment of magic with his supposedly weaker foot to keep their title aspirations alive. The 20-year-old has had an up-and-down season; this goal was his first for Real Madrid since scoring in the Copa del Rey on January 6th.

With Kylian Mbappe absent and Jude Bellingham starting on the bench, someone needed to make an impact, and Guler delivered. Following Barcelona`s win on Tuesday, the pressure was on Real Madrid to secure victory, and they rose to the challenge. Having been eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal, Real Madrid`s season now centers on two objectives: reducing the deficit in La Liga and winning the Copa del Rey. A crucial late save from Thibaut Courtois was vital in preserving the lead and keeping their La Liga hopes alive.

Looking ahead, with the anticipated addition of Mbappe, this is a team expected to compete for all major honors. However, based on the current situation, there`s a real possibility Real Madrid might finish this season without winning any trophies.

Focus on the Copa del Rey

Resting key players like Bellingham and Rodrygo is vital to ensure Real Madrid are at full strength for the Copa del Rey final. Although debates about the team`s identity or balance persist, their progress this season has often depended heavily on Bellingham. Players from the wider squad, such as Guler, might have pushed for a place in the starting lineup for the final, potentially needed if the team faces difficulties. Mbappe is expected to return for the final and will likely spearhead the attack. However, even if Robert Lewandowski is unavailable for Barcelona, it will still be a tough task for Real Madrid to defeat their rivals.

Furthermore, with Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba expected to miss the final, as confirmed by Ancelotti, Real Madrid will require a flawless performance to claim the trophy.

La Liga Title Race: Remaining Fixtures

1. FC Barcelona — 76 points
Remaining fixtures: Real Valladolid (A), Real Madrid (H), Espanyol (A), Villarreal (H), Athletic Club (A).

2. Real Madrid — 72 points
Remaining fixtures: Celta Vigo (H), FC Barcelona (A), Mallorca (H), Sevilla (A), Real Sociedad (H).

Can Real Madrid Still Win La Liga?

With only five league matches left for each side, including another El Clasico, the title race is tight. Real Madrid must win the Clasico to stand a realistic chance, and they also need Barcelona to drop points elsewhere. Barcelona`s away match against Athletic Club on the final day is perhaps their most challenging remaining fixture, although the title could potentially be decided before then. Real Madrid face must-win home games against Celta Vigo and Mallorca around the El Clasico. While Barcelona`s continued participation in the Champions League *might* force Xavi (the manager) to rotate more than Ancelotti, the team that wins the upcoming El Clasico will likely be the one lifting the La Liga trophy at the season`s end.

Current La Liga Standings