Thaindian News

Madrid, Feb 5 (IANS) A 17th-minute header from Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was enough to give his side a narrow but a crucial 1-0 win away to Getafe in the Spanish Primera Liga.

The win maintains Madrid’s lead at the top of the Liga. Against a side that has been inform of late, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho chose to start Mesut Ozil, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Even so, it was Getafe who threatened first, with Juan Valera, who had scored against Barcelona earlier in the season, volleying wide after just two minutes, Xinhua reported.

At the other end, Ronaldo headed over the bar after 10 minutes, minutes later Ramos made no mistake as he placed his header from a corner into the back of the Getafe net.

In the second half, Real Madrid were back to their attacking best as Getafe failed to create any clear chances in what were difficult playing conditions.

Ronaldo saw a shot parried after the hour and a minute later Getafe keeper Miguel Angel Moya did well to save a Benzema shot.

However, the second goal never arrived and with 17 minutes remaining as Getafe’s penalty appeal was turned down after a Diego Castro shot hit Pepe’s arm in the Madrid penalty area.

The defender went down clutching his stomach and the referee waved play on, a decision that could be vital when it comes to deciding the title at the end of the season.