Mbappe sends Real Madrid top as Getafe self-destruct
Kylian Mbappe prolonged his scoring run to 11 games in a row, aiding Real Madrid in regaining the La Liga summit via a 1-0 win against nine-man Getafe on Sunday.
Following Barcelona's slim triumph over Girona that temporarily pushed aside Los Blancos on Saturday, Xabi Alonso's team regained their two-point lead ahead of the upcoming Clasico next weekend.
Getafe held firm against Madrid until Allan Nyom received a red card just a minute into his substitution, allowing Mbappe to capitalise swiftly and seal the match in the 80th minute. Alex Sancris also got sent off as Getafe fell apart late on.
Alonso opted to start without Brazilian talent Vinicius Junior, considering the midweek Champions League encounter with Juventus and the looming Barca fixture.
The winger proved vital as a halftime replacement, with Getafe's two dismissals stemming from challenges on him.
"Vini made a strong contribution... we informed him this morning that he might play a crucial role," Alonso shared with journalists.
"It proved a tough encounter, taking on Getafe away is always challenging... it lacked flair but we accomplished the essentials."
Mbappe was back after missing a France World Cup qualifier due to an ankle issue, spearheading the attack at Getafe's Coliseum venue.
The French striker, who netted in his prior 10 outings for club and international duty, added another goal to his tally.
"We feel delighted with Kylian's form, he continues to make key impacts," Alonso remarked.
Mbappe threatened twice early on before Getafe gained control and started to disrupt the away side, limiting their threats effectively.
Near the close of the opening half, Madrid revived their assault, with Soria denying Rodrygo Goes following neat play from Jude Bellingham.
Getafe's keeper also blocked a fierce free-kick from David Alaba, while Fede Valverde sent a shot just beyond the post before the interval.
Alonso introduced Vinicius for the second period, and his energy started troubling the home team, who turned to infringements to halt the Brazilian.
Bellingham set up Mbappe for a miss, and the forward then curled a free-kick narrowly astray, as Madrid dominated proceedings.
Getafe see red
The contest shifted when Getafe replacement Nyom, scarcely a minute after entering, recklessly struck Vinicius with his arm away from the action and earned a dismissal.
Soon after resumption, Real Madrid struck first.
Arda Guler supplied Mbappe, who stayed onside, and he spun sharply before drilling beyond Soria, the ball rebounding off the upright for his 10th La Liga strike this term, topping both the domestic and Champions League tallies.
Getafe kept crumbling, with Sancris dismissed via a second booking for yet another needless challenge on Vinicius, reducing Jose Bordalas's outfit to nine players.
Alvaro Carreras missed narrowly after Vinicius lofted cleverly over the backline, drawing jeers from Getafe supporters.
Even with their heavy manpower deficit, the hosts spurned a prime equaliser in added time, though Thibaut Courtois thwarted Englishman Abu Kamara using his knee.
"We must not squander such opportunities, yet Thibaut fulfilled his duties," Alonso noted.
Getafe manager Bordalas contested Nyom's ejection prior to Madrid's goal.
"Nyom's sending-off altered everything," the Getafe boss stated. "In my view, it merited only a yellow at worst."
In other action, fresh promotees Elche maintained their solid campaign opening with a goalless stalemate versus Athletic Bilbao, positioning them seventh, just ahead of the Basques.
Rayo Vallecano rose to 10th via a 3-0 success at Levante, whereas beleaguered Real Sociedad salvaged a tardy 1-1 tie away to 10-man Celta Vigo.