Real Madrid Loses to Getafe: Mbappé Absent, Barcelona Leads LaLiga
Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Getafe on Monday, compounding concerns over Kylian Mbappé’s fitness and raising questions about the team’s form as the title race heats up. The loss leaves Los Blancos four points behind league leaders Barcelona, who secured a win against Villarreal on Saturday.
The match was played without Mbappé, who is reportedly dissatisfied with the medical care he has received in Spain and has returned to France to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury. His absence was keenly felt, as Real Madrid struggled to break down a resolute Getafe defense.
Getafe took the lead in the 39th minute through Martin Satriano, who volleyed home a powerful strike that left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance. The goal came against the run of play, but was a deserved reward for Getafe’s disciplined defending and organized pressing.
Prior to Satriano’s goal, Real Madrid had created a few half-chances. Vinícius Júnior, starting in place of Mbappé, saw a clear scoring opportunity thwarted by a smart save from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. Arda Güler also tested Soria with a low effort, but the veteran keeper was equal to the task.
The second half saw Real Madrid increase the pressure, but they were unable to find a way through Getafe’s stubborn resistance. Eighteen-year-old Thiago Pitarch, making his first start for Real Madrid, had a shot saved by Soria, but the home side lacked the creativity and cutting edge needed to unlock the Getafe defense.
As the game wore on, frustration grew among the Real Madrid players and supporters. A series of missed opportunities – including a header from Rüdiger that narrowly missed the post and a goal-line clearance from Carvajal – only added to the sense of unease at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The home crowd began to voice their displeasure, whistling the team’s lackluster performance. The pressure continued to mount, but Real Madrid’s attacks lacked precision and urgency.
Late in the game, Getafe were reduced to ten men after Mastantuono received a red card for dissent towards the referee. Still, even with the numerical advantage, Real Madrid were unable to capitalize and create any clear-cut chances.
The final whistle was met with a chorus of boos from the Bernabéu faithful, signaling their disappointment with the team’s performance. The defeat is a significant setback for Real Madrid in the title race, handing the initiative to Barcelona.
The contrasting fortunes of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior continue to be a talking point. Even as Mbappé is sidelined with injury, Vinícius has struggled to replicate the form he showed earlier in the season, when he was a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. Reports from September 2025 highlighted Vinícius’ dip in form following a stellar performance in the previous year’s Champions League final and La Liga title win.
The arrival of Mbappé last summer was expected to elevate Real Madrid’s attack, but the team has yet to fully gel. Despite Mbappé’s 22 goals in LaLiga and 33 in all competitions, the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent. An interview with Mbappé in April 2025 revealed his desire to play alongside Vinícius, stating he “can’t imagine Madrid without Vini,” but the partnership has not yet yielded the expected results.
The loss to Getafe raises serious questions about Real Madrid’s ability to challenge for the title. They will require to rediscover their form and find a way to cope without Mbappé if they are to have any chance of overtaking Barcelona. The team’s struggles highlight the importance of squad depth and the need for consistent performance from key players.
LaLiga, Round 26
Monday
- Real Madrid – Getafe 0–1 (0–1)