Mbappé Fires Real Madrid Back to the Top as Nine Man Getafe Fall Late at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez

Kylian Mbappé delivered once again for Real Madrid, scoring the decisive goal in a tense 1-0 victory over nine man Getafe on Sunday night, a result that sent Los Blancos back to the summit of La Liga ahead of defending champions Barcelona.

It was a dramatic and, at times, ill tempered encounter at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, where Getafe’s discipline crumbled under pressure and Real Madrid’s patience finally paid off in the closing stages.

The turning point came in the 79th minute when substitute Allan Nyom who had only just stepped onto the pitch, was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after elbowing Vinícius Jr. The veteran Cameroonian, formerly of Watford and West Bromwich Albion, lasted just 44 seconds before being sent off, leaving the hosts in disarray.

Real Madrid immediately seized the advantage. Arda Güler, who had been lively throughout, spotted Mbappé’s perfectly timed run through the middle and slipped a precise pass between the defenders. The French forward showed his trademark composure, calmly slotting past David Soria to break the deadlock and notch his eighth league goal of the season.

Getafe’s evening went from bad to worse moments later when striker Alex Sancris was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 84th minute, reducing the home side to nine men. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Getafe came close to stealing a point deep into stoppage time when Hull City loanee Abu Kamara forced Thibaut Courtois into a reflex save, preserving Real’s slender lead.

Earlier, both teams had stood motionless for the first 15 seconds after kick off in a coordinated league wide protest against La Liga’s decision to stage a fixture in the United States. The move, which will see Villarreal face Barcelona in Miami on December 20, has sparked fierce debate among clubs and supporters across Spain.

Real Madrid controlled possession for long spells but struggled to find a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Soria was in inspired form, denying Mbappé early on and later pulling off a brilliant double save to keep out David Alaba’s free kick and Federico Valverde’s rebound. Mbappé also went close just before the break, dragging his shot wide after being set up by Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham, making only his second start of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery, showed flashes of his class but was unable to find the cutting edge needed to unlock Getafe’s stubborn defence. Meanwhile, England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out again as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in September’s Champions League clash with Marseille.

The result lifts Real Madrid two points clear at the top of the table, edging past Barcelona, who had temporarily gone ahead with their 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday.

With momentum restored and confidence high, Xabi Alonso’s men will turn their attention to European duty when they host Juventus on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their perfect start in the Champions League group stage.

For Getafe, it was a night that began with promise but ended in frustration, two red cards, a missed chance at the death, and the bitter taste of defeat at the hands of the league leaders.