Real Madrid suffers second consecutive defeat, maintains LaLiga title race is still open.
Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa maintained that the LaLiga title race is far from concluded following his team’s unexpected 1-0 loss at home to Getafe, which left them four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Martín Satriano netted a stunning goal in the first half, while Madrid failed to capitalize on several opportunities, marking Getafe’s first victory at the Bernabéu in 18 years.
A dramatic conclusion saw players from both teams confront each other on the sidelines at the end of the match, and Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono received a red card in the 95th minute for dissent.
“No, of course not,” Arbeloa responded in the post-match press conference when asked if the defeat had effectively dashed Madrid’s title hopes. “There are 36 points remaining, and we must strive for them. No one here will surrender; this is Real Madrid. Four points is a margin we believe we can overcome.”
The loss to Getafe marks Madrid’s second consecutive defeat in LaLiga, following a 2-1 loss to Osasuna on February 21.
The squad is currently missing key forward Kylian Mbappé due to a knee sprain, as well as midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is dealing with a thigh issue.
“It was a match where we could have performed better,” Arbeloa stated. “We had significantly clearer chances than they did, but football isn’t solely about what you deserve. Getafe executed their game plan effectively. Nothing occurred that we didn’t anticipate.”
Madrid will face Celta Vigo on Friday, followed by a Champions League round of 16 match against Manchester City next week.
“We possess exceptional players, a strong squad, and individuals who will recover and contribute significantly,” Arbeloa noted. “We can enhance our performance on the field. I acknowledge the criticism following a defeat like this.”
“We generated opportunities to score. Is there room for improvement in our play? That is also accurate. I cannot fault the players’ effort. It is my responsibility to enhance the team’s performance.”
The referee’s report indicated that Mastantuono received a red card for shouting “what a disgrace” at the official on two occasions.
“I am not entirely sure what transpired,” Arbeloa remarked. “However, he must have said something inappropriate, and that is unacceptable.”
Getafe manager José Bordalás declined to comment on whether VAR should have intervened regarding an incident where Antonio Rüdiger seemed to knee Diego Rico in the face.
“Everyone witnessed it,” Bordalás stated. “But I will refrain from discussing it. What we need to focus on is celebrating the victory.”
