Real Madrid held on to beat an attack-minded Getafe
1-0 in the Primera Liga on Saturday, despite having England captain David
Beckham sent off 11 minutes into the second half.
Ronaldo returned from injury to put Real in front after just 18 minutes, but it
was Real's city rivals who dominated in the Bernabeu.
Real were forced further back after the break when Beckham's rash challenge from
behind on Getafe striker Riki earned him his fourth dismissal since joining Real
in 2003.
The win moves Real up to fourth in the Primera Liga with 25 points, three behind
leaders Barcelona who travel to Villarreal on Sunday. Second-placed Osasuna
visit Malaga.
Earlier on Saturday, Celta Vigo climbed to third on 26 points after beating
struggling Real Betis 2-1 at home.
Uruguayan midfielder Fabian Canobbio put Celta ahead after five minutes, and
Brazilian striker Fernando Baiano doubled the lead with a header in the 20th
minute.
The visitors pulled a goal back in the last minute with a header from Brazilian
forward Edu just before their defender Oscar Lopez was sent off.
Llorenc Serra Ferrer's side, who have not won away from home in the league this
season, remain second from bottom with 11 points.
Later on Saturday, bottom club Athletic Bilbao can push Betis to the foot of the
table with a draw at home to Atletico Madrid. |
