Real Madrid vs. Getafe

Coming off a humiliating 4-0 defeat to third-division Alcorcón in midweek, it looked like matters might get better in the 28th minute when defender Raúl Albiol was dismissed for hauling down Roberto Soldado at the top of the penalty area.

Madrid, though kept up the pressure and came close twice through Karim Benzema, but it was Iker Casillas that had to be alert on the other end to deny Soldado just before halftime.

The home side went in front in the 53rd minute as Higuaín received a pass and coolly slotted beyond goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, and he bagged a second just three minutes later after being played through nicely by Lassana Diarra.

Higuaín had his bid for a hat-trick denied by the post in the 66th minute, and Getafe never got one past Casillas, giving Madrid a valuable three points to move them within one point of leaders Barcelona.