Late Drama Keeps Real Madrid on Top: Courtois’s Clutch Save Ahead of Clasico

Match recap

Real Madrid extended their lead in La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday, a match decided by a decisive intervention from Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in stoppage time, despite Getafe’s nine-man resistance.

In the dying seconds, Getafe unleashed a dangerous counter with Kamara charging through on goal, but Courtois produced a late point-blank save with his foot, safeguarding Madrid’s one-goal advantage and giving them three priceless points ahead of the Clasico against Barcelona.

Late drama and post-match mood

After the save, Courtois appeared visibly frustrated, criticizing teammates for allowing Getafe to threaten Madrid’s goal despite their numerical edge, a moment underscoring the goalkeeper’s nerves in the decisive minutes, according to AS.

Although that was Getafe’s only real chance on target, the scare could have derailed Madrid’s week at the summit and potentially altered the title race trajectory.

Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s head coach, also expressed his displeasure with moments of carelessness that nearly swung the result.

Courtois reinforced his value with a calm, focused display, commanding aerials with assurance throughout the match.

He carried on despite a knee knock from the save, finishing the game with some pain; early signs suggest the injury is not serious, but a full assessment will follow.

Quotes, tactics and the Clasico vibe

With this decisive intervention, Madrid held firm at the top, two points clear of their traditional rivals as they gear up for a pivotal Clasico against Barcelona next week.

In the post-match press conference, Xabi Alonso said: “The game wasn’t the prettiest to watch or to play, but we enjoyed it in our own way.”

He added: “It was hard to carve chances and find rhythm because of frequent stoppages. Coming to Getafe is never easy; you must know how to compete. You have to be ready for a game that might not be beautiful. It was a night to roll up your sleeves and work hard, but we got the three points and that’s what matters.”

Alonso praised Arda Guler: “He has that special quality, when you need an extra touch in the depth.”

Regarding Mbappe, he said: “We’re very happy with his goals, but there’s a lot of work behind them, and other players help him too.” He also warned against lapses: “That should not happen when you’re ahead against a nine-man opponent.”

On Vinicius Jr., Alonso noted: “He had a big impact; we discussed this morning that he could be equally important whether he starts or comes on. He did just that, winning yellows and making a difference.”

On the Alaba and Courtois update: “Courtois is fine, I think. Alaba felt a squeeze in his leg muscle, not an injury, but we chose not to risk him. We’ll assess him tomorrow.”

About Guler and Courtois’s decisive save, Alonso remarked: “Arda was very influential. The goal came from a quick pass between lines, Militao first, then to Mbappe. The goal was decisive because the game was tough to create chances and keep rhythm. Courtois was decisive as usual, though that opportunity shouldn’t have been given to the opponent with our numerical superiority. Either way, he did his job and we left with the three points we came for.”

He reflected on the save: “Once the play ended I didn’t panic, but at that moment I wasn’t comfortable. You can’t allow such moments when you’re leading with more players. We didn’t close spaces well or win the second ball, but the important thing is we took the points.”

Asked about overreliance on Mbappe, Alonso smiled: “I don’t see it that way, but we’re very happy with his form. He’s decisive with goals and involvement, but teammates help him a lot. Goals bring points, but behind them is a lot of teamwork… and I won’t say we rely on him (laughs).”

Alonso also praised seeing Federico Valverde and Rodrygo together on the right: “This isn’t a surprise but an added option. We saw today what they can offer thanks to their quality.”

On Camavinga’s performance: “I liked him a lot. In the first half we built the lead, especially on the left, as Carvajal, Camavinga and Rodrygo linked behind Mario. We missed the final touch in the attack third, but we reached those zones well. In a stadium like this, you must control second balls well because Getafe relies heavily on them, and we did. They barely troubled us except from set pieces and crosses. Camavinga delivered a complete game.”

On the win’s importance ahead of a decisive week, Alonso said: “It was a hard, challenging game. Getting to Getafe isn’t easy. You must know how to compete. It might not be the prettiest, but the team showed character and worked hard. We head into the next week with positive energy.”

When asked about the best role for Guler and Jude Bellingham, he replied: “Both can play in midfield or behind the striker. Jude can drop deeper, Arda can switch positions. We have different patterns like Chiumani? (sic) Camavinga, Valverde, and Sabalies? We have Juler—anyway, Arda brings an extra technical touch when needed in depth or linking lines. When he receives the ball and turns, he can find Vinicius or Mbappe in the right path. We aim to strengthen these links, whether in midfield or on the wings, and with the quality we have, we can do it.”

In closing, Alonso reflected: “I’m still taking in what happened today. It was a battle, and we were ready for it. It might not be the prettiest, but we achieved what we came for. From tomorrow, we’ll start thinking about Juventus.”

Punchline 1: If late drama paid rent, Courtois would own the stadium. Punchline 2: Madrid’s Clasico countdown just got louder—keep the popcorn ready, the drama’s free and the popcorn’s on BT Sport now.