Real Madrid have been crowned winter champions of Spain as Cristiano Ronaldo's brace helped condemn Getafe to a 3-0 defeat in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Carlo Ancelotti disputed claims Los Blancos were fatigued at his Press conference for the match, and he made just the one enforced change, barring Iker Casillas’ return to goal, Raphael Varane replacing the injured Pepe in central defence.
Other than that, it was the same XI which drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on Thursday. El Geta, meanwhile, could call upon numerous Madrid alumni, including Coach Quique Sanchez Flores, goalkeeper Jordi Codina and wingers Pedro Leon and Pedro Sarabia.
Getafe looked to capitalise on Madrid’s disjointed play in the opening stages, happily soaking up pressure and waiting to pounce on the break, but with only five goals at Coliseum Alfonso Perez this season, they lacked the necessary belief to test Casillas.
Madrid appeared to have set their alarm clocks half-an-hour late, but when they finally found their rhythm, they dominated possession. The first direct consequence of their improvement was Karim Benzema forcing Codina into a save at the near post.
Los Blancos continued to circulate the ball in and around the Getafe half, and it resulted in Isco seeing a shot charged down from point-blank range and Toni Kroos unleashing a rocket on the half-volley, which cannoned off the crossbar.
They continued their impressive end to the first half after the break, and Ronaldo broke the deadlock on the hour mark. The Portuguese's cross was met by James Rodriguez, who fed Benzema at the byline. The striker then laid the ball off for the No 7 to bury.
Madrid then doubled their advantage minutes later, Bale this time racing onto the end of James' cross and flicking the ball beyond Codina, before Ronaldo rounded off the points from another Colombian delivery.
Getafe refused to throw the towel in, however, and they were unfortunate not to draw two back. First, Fredy Hinestroza was too honest in riding Dani Carvajal’s penalty-box challenge, while Alvaro Vazquez slammed a finish at the post.
Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid
Ronaldo 63, 79, Bale 66
Getafe: Codina; Castro, Naldo, Velazquez, Lago; Pedro Leon (Yoda 73), Juan Rodriguez, Alexis, Sarabia (Hinestroza 59); Sammir (Alex Felip 83), Vazquez
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo (Nacho 82); James, Kroos (Illarramendi 82), Isco (Khedira 78); Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Referee: Perez Montero
