Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe: 5 talking points as Los Blancos see off city rivals | La Liga 2020-21 

#3 Real Madrid take advantage of Atletico Madrid's slip-up

Real Madrid are now five points behind Atletico Madrid having played two games more

Atletico Madrid have installed themselves as runaway leaders in La Liga but this win helped Real Madrid close the deficit on their city rivals.

Los Colchoneros had dropped points at the death in a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo, and this saw them lose the opportunity to go 10 points clear at the summit.

Real Madrid had a chance to temporarily close the gap to five points, and they did so.

Despite being heavily-depleted by injuries, the defending champions got the job done with a professional performance. They still have a long way to go, and the deficit to Atletico - who have two games in hand - is still very tangible.

🎙️👔 Zidane: "It’s a good win. It’s two wins in a row and we all needed it."#RealMadridGetafe | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/C2Vi990Hw4

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 9, 2021

However, the defending champions did their chances of retaining their title a world of good with this win over Getafe.

#2 Marcelo returns to the starting lineup to remind everyone of his abilities

Marcelo gave a superb performance

The last few years have seen Marcelo perform beneath his usual standards, which concordantly saw him lose his starting spot at Real Madrid.

Injuries afflicting the first team afforded him a rare start, with the captain's armband handed to him in the absence of Sergio Ramos.

In what was a throwback to his best displays, Marcelo proved to be a constant menace down the left flank and put the Getafe backline on their toes with his bombarding runs forward.

The 32-year-old made a game-high five key passes, provided an assist for Ferland Mendy and completed one dribble in what was a breathtaking display before making way for Victor Chust in the 86th minute.

#1 Karim Benzema continues to be the go-to guy for Real Madrid

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Real Madrid

Real Madrid endured a frustrating first half which boiled over into the second period before Karim Benzema opened the scoring on the hour mark.

The Frenchman showed great anticipation and technique to take advantage of Vinicius' pin-point delivery, which was no less than he deserved for what was a fine performance.

⚽️💬 @Benzema: "Winning this match was very important and we will fight for the league until the end."#RealMadridGetafe | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/LOXxCmDpz1

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 9, 2021

He had earlier forced Soria into a reflex save from a header in the first half but he was not to be denied the second time around.

In total, Benzema had six shots, with two of those on target, and he generally dispatched his duties as the focal point of attack with aplomb.

The goal means that he has now been involved in 15 goals in his last 19 games against Getafe. He also brought his total for the season to 16 goals and five assists from 27 games in all competitions for Real Madrid.