SERGIO RAMOS scored his sixth goal in 11 league games as Real Madrid took a massive step towards the LaLiga title.
The Los Blancos captained led by example once again to slot home from the spot with just 11 minutes remaining to secure a critical 1-0 win over local rivals Getafe.
Sergio Ramos kept his cool from the penalty spot to ensure a 1-0 win for Real Madrid over GetafeCredit: AFP or licensors
The win moves Los Blancos a giant step closer to winning the LaLiga titleCredit: Reuters
Dani Carvajal cut in off the right flank and ensured he made contact with Mathias Olivera’s trailing leg.
And as soon as he felt the contact, the right-back went to ground and the referee pointed to the spot.
That meant the responsibility fell on 34-year-old Ramos’ shoulders.
The centre-back, complete with his man bun and bushy beard, made absolutely no mistake, disguising his finish before opening up and sliding it past Savid Soria.
Ramos’ successful penalty was his 21st in a row as he demonstrated his class from 12 yards once again.
Real Madrid held on for all three points and the celebrations at full-time proved just how important they could be.
SERG-ING CLEAR
A favour from arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, as they held Barcelona to a second 2-2 draw on the bounce, meant Real knew they would move four points clear at the top with victory.
But Real Madrid did not have things all their own way at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, the 6,000-seater home of the Castilla side with the Bernabeu not being used behind closed doors.
Following a few Getafe half chances, particularly from set pieces, Thibaut Courtois was forced into a smart save when the ball bounced off Xabier Etxeita and was sneaking into the far corner before the Belgian turned it behind.
Courtois also denied Jaime Mata while at the other end, Vinicius Junior was denied by a top save when he came sliding in through the middle before Isco count not quite connect cleanly with a volley.
Raphael Varane was forced off with a head injury with Eder Militao on in his place and the summer signing almost gifted Getafe an opener when his poor clearance was pounced on by Mata, but the striker could only find the top netting.
With nothing to show for their efforts, tiredness was clearly kicking in when Olivera left his leg dangling out as Carvajal made his way into the box and went down – the Getafe left-back’s reaction said it all, he knew he had messed up.
And Ramos showed complete and utter nervelessness to stroke the ball in, potentially putting one Los Blancos hand on the LaLiga trophy with five games to go.
The captain celebrated in style as Real Madrid capitalised on Barcelona drawing back-to-back gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Thibaut Courtois made some smart stops to keep a crucial clean sheet at their part-time homeCredit: AFP or licensors
Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has fun with the team playing football volleyball
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
