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Real Madrid take their time before easy win in Getafe

Xinhua, January 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will take the headlines after Real Madrid defeated Getafe 3-0 on Sunday, but the plaudits should really be given to Karim Benzema.

Real Madrid were struggling to break down a well-organized Getafe side until in the 63rd minute Benzema produced a magnificent piece of control, more suited to a futsal pitch to set up Ronaldo for a simple tap-in.

Four minutes later and Real Madrid were out of reach James produced an inch-perfect cross across a stretched Getafe defense for Bale to flick home Real Madrid's second.

He produced another fine cross with 10 minutes remaining to leave Ronaldo with a straightforward header to round off the scoring as Getafe fell apart.

Real Madrid went into the game with their strongest available side, as Rafael Varene replaced Pepe in defense after the Portuguese striker suffered a rib injury during Thursday's Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Getafe coach, Quique Sanchez Flores meanwhile opted for a five man defense to try and stifle Madrid's attacking threat.

The first 45 minutes failed to catch fire as Real Madrid looked sluggish in the final third of the pitch with both Gareth Bale and Ronaldo looking below their best. It was down to Benzema and Isco to provide the inspiration in attack, while Tony Kroos gradually established his authority in central midfield.

As the half progressed Madrid pushed their rivals deeper back and Benzema saw two chances saved by Getafe keeper Codina, before setting up James with a lovely piece of skill on the goal-line only for the Colombian's shot to be blocked.

The best chance came on the stroke of halftime when Kroos rattled the Getafe crossbar with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

It was clear than Real Madrid would have to up the pace in the second half and they did just that, pinning their rivals deeper and deeper until the vital first goal and Real's control was highlighted by the fact that their rivals failed to muster a single shot on target during the entire 90 minutes of the game. Endit