Gonzalo Higuain struck both goals as 10-man Real Madrid produced
a superb performance to see off local rivals Getafe and end a traumatic
week on a high.
Madrid went into the match under huge pressure following Tuesday's
humiliating 4-0 Copa del Rey loss at third tier Alcorcon - their
third defeat in five games - and with Spanish media speculating
that coach Manuel Pellegrini's job was on the line.
And when Madrid centre-back Raul Albiol was shown a straight red
card in the 27th minute, it looked set to be another night of misery
for the big-spending Spanish giants.
But, as is often the case when a team goes a man down, the home
side found a determination and commitment that saw them not only
match Getafe but dominate most of the rest of the match.
Lassana Diarra and Kaka were outstanding, as were a number of other
players, but it was Higuain who will take all the plaudits after
scoring twice at the start of the second half and then hitting the
woodwork in a superb display.
The result means Madrid have now won seven of their nine Primera
Division matches and they join leaders Barcelona, who play later
tonight, on 22 points.
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