Real Madrid welcomed Getafe to the Bernabeu on Sunday needing the three points to stay in close contact with second-placed Atletico Madrid in the table.
A drab first period brought few clear chances for either side, although Madrid looked the most likely to open the scoring.
Madrid did eventually open their tally early in the second period when Sergio Ramos bundled home from close range.
The home side were simply too good from that moment as Cristiano Ronaldo scored three times in quick succession to wrap up a comfortable win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Well, this certainly is one way to start your Sunday as Real Madrid welcome Getafe to the Bernabeu. Madrid’s form on their home turf this season has been impressive with seven wins and two draws from nine matches, but Getafe have managed to win three games out of a possible 10 on the road.
Madrid’s near-perfect recent record against Getafe was ended earlier in the season when the Spanish champions were defeated 2-1. That said, Madrid were victorious the last time Getafe travelled to this stadium in September 2011, with a 4-2 success. Despite that unwelcome result this season, Madrid have won four of the last five matches between the two sides.
There have just been signs in recent weeks that Madrid are starting to return to their best form. They have won three of their last five matches in all competitions, with those victories coming courtesy of a 4-0, 2-0 and 5-0 wins respectively. Last time out in the league they inflicted Valencia’s worst-ever league defeat at the Mestalla.
Despite their recent success, the league table does not make good reading for Jose Mourinho. The capital outfit currently sit in third position on 40 points, but they are seven points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and an incredible 15 points behind leaders Barcelona. But with the Copa del Rey and Champions League to strive for, it could yet be a successful season for Jose Mourinho's side.
Getafe, meanwhile, are currently bottom of the form table in La Liga. They currently sit in 11th position in the table having taken 26 points from 20 matches, but they have taken just four points from their last six league matches. That said, they have won two of their last six matches on the road. Right, the team news is just reaching us.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Adan; Ramos, Carvalho, Albiol, Coentrao; Modric, Essien, Ozil; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Higuain
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Lopo, Alexis, Torres; Borja, Gavilan, Castro, Torres; Sarabia, Adrian
So there we have it. Adan comes back into the Madrid team in place of the injured Iker Casillas, while Ricardo Carvalho is also handed a start. Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira are both on the bench. Getafe, meanwhile, name an all-Spanish 18 with Adrian Colunga and Pablo Sarabia leading the line.
Getafe were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla last time out, before which they had secured a point in a home clash against Granada. Scoring goals has not really been a problem this season with 25 goals to their name, but that is just half the total that Madrid have managed. Getafe have conceded 31 goals, however, which is the seventh-worst record in the league.
Madrid will once more look to Cristiano Ronaldo this morning as the Portuguese attempts to add to his 18 league goals this season. You would be forgiven for thinking that he was the current top scorer at this stage of the campaign with such a total, but Lionel Messi continues to raise the stakes with 29 league goals already. Those two players have taken the game onto another level.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Getafe have been on a horror run of late and therefore I cannot see anything other than a comfortable home win. I am backing a 4-0 success for Jose Mourinho's side.
Today's referee is Jose Gonzalez. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch in this match. There has been an incredible amount of red cards in the last week or two in La Liga. A reminder that three points for Madrid would temporarily close the gap on Atletico. The home side get us underway.
It is quite incredible that Jose Mourinho agreed to host this mini-Madrid derby as the early start on Sunday. If they were still in the title race then that simply would not have happened. It is clear that the Madrid boss has one eye on Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash with Barcelona. Strong start from the home side as expected as they dominate possession.
Madrid continue to dominate the early stages of possession with Luka Modric, Michael Essien and Mesut Ozil all enjoying early touches of the ball. Getafe launch an attack of their own as Colunga combines with Sarabia, but Adan comes out to suffer the forward at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages with both teams just feeling their way into the match. Madrid are almost treating it like a training game at the moment as they pass and probe in their own half. There is a very strange atmosphere inside the stadium, with the away fans making most of the noise.
Getafe attempt to force the issue as Miguel Torres feeds a low pass behind the Madrid defence, but it is just too long for Colunga and Adan is out to collect. The pressure continues for the away side as Diego Castro picks up possession outside the box, but Sergio Ramos is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.
It would be good for the game as a contest if Getafe opened the scoring in this match. It would force Madrid into a greater tempo with the home side just labouring in the early stages. Colunga attempts to get behind the Madrid defence once more, but the striker just moved too early and the offside flag was raised.
Half-chance for the home side as Lopo fells Higuain outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but Miguel Moya comes across to make a really smart save at his near post. Terrific effort from the Portuguese. However, that has not stunted the noise from the away supporters.
Madrid have already had five red cards in the month of January, a quite incredible statistic. They are not the only team who have suffered such fate, however, with red cards rife in Spain this season. Madrid threaten once more with a long pass from Ozil, but Moya comes outside his box to head out of play.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match by some distance as Di Maria strikes a powerful effort from outside the box. It takes a huge defection off Lopo, but just drops the wrong side of the post. It has certainly sparked the home side into life, however, as they dominate control of the ball.
A reminder that Getafe have not won any of their last eight matches in all competitions. However, they came from behind to beat Madrid at home earlier in the season. They have offered enough in the opening 18 minutes to suggest that they can cause a threat with the pace of Sarabia, but the home side have looked the most likely thus far.
It's really good work from the home side as Di Maria combines with Ronaldo before collecting possession outside the box, but the Argentine just loses control at the vital moment and Moya is out to collect. In truth, it has not been the most exciting 20 minutes of football that you will ever see. Both sides are comfortable.
The foul count is just starting to build up as Getafe halt each Madrid attack. The latest yellow card is awarded to Miguel Torres for a challenge on Di Maria, but the resulting free kick comes to nothing. Colunga counters down the other end, but Coentrao is across to clear the danger.
Madrid have had 72% of the possession inside the opening 24 minutes which tells you everything that you need to know about the match thus far. However, aside from that Ronaldo free kick, they have not really tested the goalkeeper. It is being played at such a low tempo. We could really do with a goal in order to liven proceedings.
CHANCE! Madrid create another fine chance to take the lead as Ronaldo dances in the box before creating a yard of space, but he can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. The Portuguese would have expected to have scored from that position.
Getafe create a half-chance as Colunga strikes a low effort from outside the box, but Adan is comfortable in dealing with the danger. The Spaniard attempts to launch a counter attack as he finds Xavi Torres, but the midfielder cannot keep hold of possession with Essien in close proximity.
The Gefafe supporters continue to make their voices known as we approach the 30-minute mark in the match. A very lively chap has quite a large drum in the crowd, which is adding to the atmosphere. The away side come close with a header from Castro inside the box, but he can only fire his effort straight at Adan. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Penalty shout for the home side as Juan Valera appears to handle in the area, but the referee is not interested and shakes his head, much to the frustration of the home crowd. Madrid attempt to continue the pressure with Ozil, but Borja is across to make the challenge. There is just no real tempo to proceedings at the moment.
CHANCE! It's sensational football from the home side with Higuain, Ronaldo and Ozil all involved in a sensational counter attack. Eventually the latter has a strike from inside the box, but he can only fire straight at the goalkeeper. There is not a better counter-attacking side in world football than Madrid.
The Madrid frustrations continue as Di Maria relinquishes possession with a poor pass straight to the opposition goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the Getafe supporters continue to create an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Slightly better from the home side in the last few moments as they pass and probe outside the Getafe penalty area, but it is just not happening in front of goal as Ronaldo fires another effort over the crossbar. Ramos attempts a cross moments later, but Borja clears. Getafe have defended well thus far.
Not too much to get excited about in the latter stages of this half with Madrid controlling the possession, but without really threatening to take the lead. A reminder that Madrid started this match seven points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and some 15 behind Barcelona. They have to keep winning to attempt to chip away at that gap.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Getafe have not really figured in the final third, but have been comfortable in dealing with the Madrid attack. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
Getafe attempt to threaten behind the Madrid defence once more as Gavilan feeds a pass towards Colunga, but Adan is out to collect. Ronaldo has a half-chance down the other end as he attempt to meet a bouncing ball in the box, but he can only scuff his effort straight at Moya. That pretty much sums up this opening half of football.
The home side again threaten as Ozil combines with Ronaldo, but the German just loses his footing at the vital moment and the chance is gone. Meanwhile, Modric fires over the crossbar moments later. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time with Madrid very much in the ascendancy.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Getafe
So there we have it. Frustration for the home side as Getafe hold the Spanish champions to a goalless half of football. Madrid, who made six changes to their team for this match, have not really woken up this far against a side that has not won in their last eight matches.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Madrid have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had give attempts to Getafe's three. Madrid's best two chances fell to Ronaldo and Ozil, but neither could find the back of the net. There is much for Madrid to do in the second period.
Let's take a look at both benches. Madrid have a host of options in reserve with Karim Benzema, Jose Callejon and Sami Khedira on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Getafe have the likes of Paco Alcacer and Diego Benito on their bench. Both managers could influence proceedings from the sidelines.
Just a quick note on what we have to come this afternoon. We have three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga from 3.30pm with Rayo Vallecano facing Real Betis, Osasuna travelling to Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao welcoming Atletico Madrid. Be sure to remain with us for the action.
Here we go then. Both sets of supporters join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the interval with Albiol replacing Sami Khedira which is not too surprising at this stage of proceedings. A reminder that a win for Real would move them to within four points of Atletico, while Getafe would move from 11th to 10th with three points. Getafe get us underway.
Strong start to the second period from the home side with Di Maria collecting possession in the final third before whipping a low cross into the box, but Alexis is on hand to clear the danger. Getafe attempt to break on the counter with Torres, but Carvalho is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Madrid continue to dominate possession with Ronaldo & Co. passing and probing outside the box, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. The home side have been sent out with a better tempo, but it is still not the free-flowing team that we saw at Valencia last week.
You just get the feeling that if Madrid score within the next five or so minutes then they will go onto win comfortably, however, the longer Getafe quell the danger, the more nervous the home support will come. Ronaldo appears to have a problem here as he goes over on his ankle, but he is deemed fit to continue following treatment.
Half-chance for Getafe as Castro collects a loose ball in the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it is just deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped into the box by Colunga, but Khedira rises highest in the box to clear the danger.
CHANCE! Madrid should be ahead it is as simple as that. Two chances for the home side as Moya saves an effort from Ozil, before pushing a Coentrao effort wide of the post. Stunning goalkeeping, but the danger will continue from the resulting corner.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Getafe (Ramos)
It is not the prettiest of goals, but Madrid will not mind as Ramos bundles the ball into the back of the net from close range. It was just about as scrappy as you could ever imagine, but that has changed the entire course of this second period.
It is difficult to see the away side recovering from that blow, but they have to keep believing that they can cause the Spanish champions problems. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Madrid lead. However, you just get the feeling that there are more goals to come.
Another half-chance for the home side as Madrid force a free kick outside the penalty area. Ronaldo takes the set piece, but fires his effort straight into the wall. However, Getafe simply cannot get out at the moment as Madrid force two corners in quick succession. That goal has changed the entire feel inside the stadium.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Ozil finds the head of Higuain in the penalty area, but the Argentine can only head over the crossbar. It really should be 2-0, but Madrid will continue to press. The next goal could ultimately decide this match.
The home side want a penalty as Coentrao falls over inside the box under a challenge from Lopo, but the referee shakes his head, and rightly so. But it is simply all one-way traffic at the moment with the home side in complete control of proceedings.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe (Ronaldo)
It's stunning football from the home side as Ozil advances into the Getafe penalty area before squaring to Ronaldo, who thumps his effort into the bottom corner. That is sensational work from the Spanish champions. This one is over.
This could be any score in the remaining 25 minutes of this match. Getafe just haven't got to grips with this second period, with Madrid in total control of proceedings. It appears that the away side are readying their first change of the match, but it is certainly a case of too little too late. Unless there is a sensational turnaround.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Getafe (Ronaldo)
That is well and truly game over as Coentrao fires a wonderful cross to the far post and Ronaldo is on hand to thump his header into the back of the net. That is his 32nd goal of an incredible season. This could get really nasty for the away side.
Meanwhile, the away side make their first change of the match as Sarabia is replaced by Hugo Fraile. Some introduction for the Spaniard with his team 3-0 down. Getafe have a half-chance down the other end with Colunga, but Ramos is back to clear his header off the line.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for the home side as Higuain dances into the penalty area, but his powerful shot is pushed over the crossbar by Moya. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but the danger is eventually cleared. Simply one-way traffic at the moment.
Meanwhile, both teams make changes with Michel replacing Torres for the away side and Jose Callejon replacing Ozil for Madrid. The German has been wonderful this afternoon. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Madrid lead 3-0, but I suspect that more goals will come in the latter stages.
PENALTY TO MADRID: The home side are awarded a penalty as Lopo brings Modric down in the box. It is a soft one, but the referee was probably within his rights to point to the spot. No prizes for guessing who will take it. Some Portuguese lad I think.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Getafe (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo does indeed score his third as the Portuguese finds the bottom corner with a powerful penalty. Just like that, Madrid completely stun Getafe. There is still just about 20 minutes of football to play here. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is replaced by Benzema for the final stages.
Decent spell for Getafe as they enjoy a period of possession in the final third, but they have simply not tested Adan in this second period. Meanwhile, the away side make another change as Alvaro replaces Colunga. Alvaro was involved in a deep conversation with his manager. Has he been told to go and score four goals?
Another half-chance for the home side as Callejon finds Higuain in the penalty area, but the Argentine can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. In fairness to the Getafe supporters, they continue to sing their hearts out in this match. However, their team has been simply blown away in this second period.
Madrid again push forward as Essien drives down the right before firing a low cross into the box, but Lopo is on hand to clear the danger. Jose Mourinho does not appear to be too happy despite his team leading 4-0 with 10 minutes of football to play. Will he be at this club this time next season?
Not too much to get excited about in the final stages of this match with Madrid comfortable in keeping possession of the ball. Getafe have simply not turned up in this second period. This second-half performance has sent a clear message to Barcelona and Manchester United, who they face in two different competitions in the coming weeks.
Madrid continue to force the issue as they gain two corners in quick succession, but Moya is on hand to clear the danger on each occasion. Most of the home crowd have departed as they prepare for their Sunday lunch, but the Getafe supporters continue to raise the volume. Luckily for them it will not be a long trip home.
Half-chance for Callejon to add to the scoring as the winger collects a pass from Khedira before driving into the penalty area, but Moya is out to make a smart save at the vital moment. Getafe break down the other end with Castro, but the Spaniard is penalised for handball.
Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and Getafe have been simply blown away in this second period. Their struggles in the league continue, but now Madrid must focus on pressing matters ahead. Ronaldo will be wrapped up in cotton wool until Wednesday's match with Barcelona.
Another half-chance for the home side as Di Maria strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Moya is on hand to make a low save. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of stoppage time.
Not too much to get excited about in stoppage time with Madrid controlling the tempo of the match. Benzema comes close to making it five as he meets a bouncing ball in the box, but Alexis is on hand to make a fine clearance at the vital moment.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Getafe
So there we have it. All the goals come in the second period as Real Madrid thump Getafe 4-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join me from 3.30pm for more Spanish football. Until then!
