Tempers flared as Real Madrid battled past Getafe 1-0 in a stormy La Liga clash marked by dismissals, accusations, and drama. Vinicius Jr’s fiery cameo and Jude Bellingham’s exchange with Jose Bordalas stole the spotlight as the Getafe coach accused both of “provoking” his team. However, with Kylian Mbappe’s winner Madrid sit top of La Liga before the looming El Clasico.
Madrid grind out a win, but tempers boil over
Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe on was anything but routine. The match unfolded in chaos at the Coliseum as Los Blancos struggled to penetrate a well-organised Getafe defence until the 78th minute. Vinicius, introduced as a second-half substitute, injected pace and intensity but also ignited controversy. His duels with Getafe’s backline repeatedly disrupted the rhythm, culminating in a red card for Allan Nyom barely a minute after coming on. Minutes later, Mbappe capitalised on the advantage, finishing sharply from Arda Guler’s pass to net his league-leading 10th goal of the season. Getafe’s frustration deepened when Alex Sancris saw red for a late foul on Vinicius, leaving them with nine men. Post-match, manager Bordalas raged that Vinicius had “simulated aggression” and provoked his players, claiming the dismissals “marked the game.”
AdvertisementAFPBordalas fires back: 'I told Bellingham not to talk so much'
The final whistle did little to cool tempers. Speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, Bordalas directly accused Vinicius and Bellingham of “provoking” his bench during the heat of the moment.
“It was with Bellingham. Vinicius came up to me and said: ‘Very good substitution.’ Then Bellingham came up to me and said something, and I told him to play and not talk so much. Vinicius doesn’t have to come and provoke me and say: ‘Very good substitution.’ The effort was wasted. The lads gave their all. We’ve suffered a lot of adversity this season, but Nyom’s sending-off marked the game,” said Bordalas.
The Getafe manager also insisted Nyom’s red was undeserved, arguing that a yellow card would have been enough: "Vinicius is touching his face, simulating aggression. It's not a red card for me. At most, a yellow card."
The 61-year-old coach further complained about the officiating of the match.
"Yes, of course. I'm not passing judgment, but there were very similar fouls in the first half that didn't get a card," said Bordalas.
During the same controversial match, Getafe defender Juan Iglesias was caught on camera confronting Vinicius and allegedly telling him: "That's why everyone hates you. Learn from your teammates," accusing the Brazilian of a general lack of respect for the opposition.
Mbappe seals the win for Madrid again
In a season full of fine margins, Mbappe has become Madrid’s ultimate difference-maker. The French talisman leads La Liga with ten goals and two assists in nine matches and has been decisive in crucial moments, from late winners in the league to clinical strikes in Europe. His goal against Getafe, scored just a minute after the red card incident, was another example of his instinct to turn chaos into control.
What’s elevating Madrid further is his growing chemistry with Guler. The Turkish prodigy’s creative flair and quick thinking have found perfect balance with Mbappe’s movement and precision. Their understanding, showcased in the Getafe winner and several Champions League moments, is beginning to mirror the fluidity of Madrid’s great attacking duos of the past. Guler’s ability to slip between lines complements Mbappe’s explosive finishing and is soon becoming a combination that’s proving lethal and unpredictable. Whether through hat-tricks against Kairat Almaty, braces versus Marseille and Levante, or clutch winners against Real Sociedad and Getafe, the 26-year-old's seamless adaptation to Madrid’s system has made him indispensable.
Getty Images SportAll eyes now set on El Clasico
Madrid’s gritty win sends them into El Clasico atop La Liga with 24 points, two ahead of Barcelona, setting up an explosive clash. Yet both sides enter the fixture wounded. Barcelona’s injury list is extensive, missing key figures like Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Madrid’s concerns are defensive with Antonio Rudiger remaining sidelined, while Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Dean Huijsen are racing against time. Barca coach Hansi Flick’s suspension after being sent off for furious protests over the referee's officiating and the limited amount of stoppage time added during their recent win over Girona only heightens Blaugrana’s challenge as the two teams go head-to-head on October 26.
