Synopsis
Arda Guler's first-half goal helped Real Madrid secure a 1-0 victory against Getafe, keeping them in contention for the La Liga title. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao's 1-0 win over Las Palmas strengthens their position in the top four, while Villarreal's defeat leaves them eight points behind.Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid maintains title chase with win.
- Athletic Bilbao solidifies top-four position.
- Getafe fails to test Madrid's goalkeeper.
- Celta Vigo enhances European qualification chances.
- Villarreal struggles to keep up with Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid, April 24 (NationPress) Arda Guler's first-half strike ensured that Real Madrid remained in the chase for the La Liga title, clinching a 1-0 victory against Getafe at the Coliseum.
Before the match, a minute of silence was observed to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
The Turkish international found the back of the net from just outside the penalty area after Getafe goalkeeper David Soria had denied Brahim Diaz, who was part of a significantly altered Madrid lineup.
Soria was pivotal with multiple crucial saves, while Getafe put in a determined effort but failed to properly test Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal, as per reports from Xinhua.
On the same day, Athletic Bilbao celebrated a narrow 1-0 win at home against Las Palmas, while their closest competitor for fourth place, Villarreal, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Celta Vigo.
Inaki Williams netted the decisive goal five minutes into the match, showcasing a smart finish from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's assist.
Alex Berenguer struck the crossbar for Athletic, while Adnan Januzaj hit the woodwork for Las Palmas in a tense second half, during which home goalkeeper Unai Simon made two exceptional saves.
Celta bolstered their chances for European qualification next season with a 3-0 victory over Villarreal, aided by the 37th-minute red card shown to Eric Bailly.
Fer Lopez put Celta ahead right before halftime, with Borja Iglesias adding a second goal in the 53rd minute, and Iago Aspas converting a penalty in the 82nd minute.
This loss leaves Villarreal trailing by eight points behind Athletic, while Real Betis has the chance to move into fifth place with a win over the last-placed Real Valladolid on Thursday.
Nahuel Tanglia's volley in the 64th minute gave Alaves a 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad, lifting them above Las Palmas and out of the relegation zone.
Antonio Blanco was unlucky not to score a second, as his shot hit the crossbar.
On Tuesday, FC Barcelona secured a 1-0 home win over Mallorca, while Valencia and Espanyol played to a 1-1 draw.
