The on-loan Spain forward bagged a brace to lead Carlo Ancelotti’s side to a comfortable win on the road
On a night when Jude Bellingham struggled, Joselu stepped up. The Spain striker, handed a rare start, bagged a tidy brace to send Real Madrid to an ultimately comfortable 2-0 win against Getafe that sees them reclaim top spot in La Liga.
It was a game with few clear chances, but Joselu was in the right spots for most of them. He came closest early, flicking an effort off the bar after a smart pass from Luka Modric. He didn’t miss on the second time of asking, though, nodding a floated Lucas Vazquez cross into the far corner after 15 minutes.
The big striker scored his second shortly after the break, pivoting from one foot to the other before firing an angled strike across the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead. He should have bagged a crucial third after an hour, too, but opted to find Vinicius Jr., who inexplicably missed from five yards out.
The only real gripe for Carlo Ancelotti was the exit of Antonio Rudiger, who took a heavy knock to the thigh and had to be replaced at halftime. Madrid will need him for Sunday’s Madrid derby, where Los Blancos will once again look to continue their title charge.
Andriy Lunin (8/10):
He made one very important save at 2-0 to keep his side in control. He’s firmly No. 1 over Kepa now.
Lucas Vazquez (7/10):
An absolute peach of a cross set up Madrid’s first goal. Scampered up and down the right diligently. excellent performance.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Dominant at the back before being replaced at halftime. It looked like he took a heavy blow to the leg. Ancelotti will hope it isn’t serious.
Nacho (6/10):
Mixed throughout. He put in a few important tackles but wasn’t entirely convincing in possession.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Solid in the first half, had a bit more difficulty with the lively Greenwood after the break
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Solid at the base of midfield, winning his duels and keeping the ball moving. He was not as comfortable at centre-back after dropping in to replace Rudiger, but his team survived.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
Another excellent showing in his new deeper-lying role. Covered ground and made the occasional dangerous run. Understated but brilliant.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
He made his standard mazy runs and created problems with his incisive passing, but he never had a clear shot on goal. Disappointing, by his standards.
Luka Modric (7/10):
Magnificent in the first half as the most advanced midfielder. Played a key pass in the build-up to Madrid’s first goal. I looked tired after the break.
Joselu (9/10):
He took his first goal well. Made his second look even better. Squared to Vinicius when he should have bagged a hat-trick. Say what you will about his gangly nature, but the striker is immensely effective.
Vinicius Jr. (7/10):
Dangerous on the left, as usual. Created chances for himself and others. Should have scored in the second half, though.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
A professional showing at No. 6 after the break.
Rodrygo (6/10):
A lively cameo, but not much in the way of the end product.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
There is no time to make an impact.
Dani Carvajal (N/A):
There is no time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
He got his selection right, giving Carvajal and Kroos rests. This wasn’t a particularly taxing one for his side, but they made it look easy. All eyes turn to the Madrid derby…
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