Real Madrid bounced back from a shaky first half and ended up beating Getafe convincingly on Matchweek 19.
The rivalry game between Real Madrid and Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez was tight and physical for the first 45 minutes. A trio of splendid stops from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept Real in the game, as Getafe’s stingy defense and physicality at home made them look like the better side through the opening period.
But the more talented team found its groove in the second half, eventually closing the game out with a wonderful counterattack goal in the 96th minute.
Here were the top five performances from Real Madrid’s statement-making victory to start 2020.
GK Thibaut Courtois
It all has to start with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is undeniably world-class in between the sticks for Los Blancos. Courtois made a handful of strong parries in this game, with the best of the bunch being his first.
The Belgian somehow kept out a thunderous volley from outside the box, showing brilliant anticipation and reflexes to make the save. Courtois had a big stop at his near post on another fierce strike and kept a point-blank header away to keep Los Blancos in the game in the first 45.
There’s no doubt that Courtois deserved this clean sheet, and he was the easy Man of the Match on Matchweek 19 for Los Merengues. He’s playing with unbridled confidence right now, and Real fans are absolutely loving his work in goal.