Real Madrid missed the opportunity to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona after suffering a surprise home defeat to Getafe.
The decisive moment arrived before the interval, when Martín Satriano unleashed a stunning first-time effort that flew into the top corner beyond Thibaut Courtois. The spectacular finish proved enough to hand the visitors all three points.
As a result, Madrid remain four points adrift of Barca, with both sides having completed 26 league fixtures.
The hosts were once again without Kylian Mbappé. The 27-year-old continues to struggle with an external ligament issue in his left knee sustained at the end of 2025.
Frustration in attack and defensive resilience
Getafe’s disciplined back line repeatedly halted Madrid’s advances, while goalkeeper David Soria delivered a composed performance between the posts.
Vinícius Júnior came closest to opening the scoring prior to Satriano’s goal, but Soria denied him in a one-on-one situation.
After the break, coach Álvaro Arbeloa introduced three changes within the first 10 minutes, including withdrawing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Madrid increased the intensity in the second half, with crosses posing the greatest threat. Antonio Rüdiger glanced a header narrowly wide at the near post, substitute Rodrygo directed an effort across the face of goal, and Dani Carvajal was unable to convert at the far post.
Late drama compounds Madrid misery
The closing stages brought further setbacks for the home side when Franco Mastantuono was dismissed in stoppage time for abusive language towards referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz.
Shortly afterwards, Getafe’s Adrián Liso also saw red after receiving a second caution for delaying the restart.
The defeat marks a fourth loss in 12 matches under Arbeloa’s leadership. He has, however, been managing without both Mbappé and England midfielder Jude Bellingham due to injury.
Madrid will attempt to halt their slide when they take on Celta Vigo on Friday at 20:00 GMT, aiming to avoid a third consecutive league reverse.