Guler scores to help Real Madrid beat Uche-less Getafe, and keep pace with league leaders Barcelona

Real Madrid were spared by a wasteful Getafe, as thanks to Arda Guler's lone strike, they beat the Azulones to return to within three points of Barcelona.

After Barcelona beat Mallorca last night, it became clear that the Los Blancos could not afford to drop points. Jose Bordalas's side certainly tested them, generating five big chances, but Real Madrid escaped unscathed to clinch maximum points.

Despite fielding a rotated side, Los Blancos started brightly and could have been behind early on when Luis Milla forced a save from Thibaut Courtois.

Getafe soon steadied themselves, and began to create chances of their own, but it wasReal Madrid that eventually broke the deadlock with Arda Güler's stunning long-range strike after Getafe failed to clear their lines.

After the break, Getafe pushed for an equaliser, but Alvaro Rodríguez's header sailed over the bar. Real Madrid continued to press, with Soria making a fine save to deny Brahim Díaz.

Vinícius Junior was a constant threat down the left flank, but his effort went wide. Getafe's Mauro Arambarri also had a chance, but his shot flew wide.

In the end, Real Madrid secured a hard-fought win, albeit in unspectacular fashion. They will not pivot their focus towards this weekend's big one, the El Clasico Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.