Real Madrid snatched a 1-0 win over Getafe in dramatic circumstances, but the home side were left furious after Allan Nyom’s red card and a controversial VAR decision turned the game. Kylian Mbappe scored the late winner as tempers flared, with Getafe players accusing officials of bias and claiming the match was “stolen”.
Real Madrid edge tight contest amid explosive controversy
Madrid struggled to impose their rhythm for most of the game, with Xabi Alonso’s side lacking precision in the final third. Getafe held their shape well and frustrated the visitors, who failed to register a shot on target until Vinicius Jr. entered the pitch. His pace and directness instantly changed the tempo of the game.
The turning point came in the 77th minute when Getafe defender Nyom, who had just come on, was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Vinicius. The decision shocked players and fans inside the Coliseum, as VAR upheld the referee’s call after a brief review. Just three minutes later, Mbappe capitalised, firing home his 10th league goal of the season.
Getafe finished the match with nine men after Sancris received a second yellow card in the 84th minute. The defeat sees Madrid remain top of La Liga, two points clear of Barcelona, who had earlier beaten Girona 2-1 with a late Ronald Araujo strike.
AdvertisementAFPGetafe rage at referee & VAR decisions after final whistle
Emotions boiled over immediately after the final whistle. Getafe players surrounded referee Jose Munuera Montero, demanding explanations for Nyom’s dismissal and the decision not to review it more thoroughly on VAR. Players claimed the official refused to speak to them, prompting post-match outrage.
Getafe winger Adrian Liso was particularly vocal, saying: He doesn't even want to talk to us," referring to the referee. "Not even the VAR saw it. He didn't want to. I don't even want to look at it, such an early red card. None of them are red cards, none. If they give me a yellow card, it already ruins the game for me; they have to substitute me. Then Nyom gives him a tackle that could have easily been a yellow card. Everything was going very badly for them, very badly."
The sentiment was echoed throughout the Getafe squad, who felt the match was taken away from them by officiating errors rather than Madrid’s superiority on the pitch.
There was also anger directed at Vinícius, who Getafe accused of provoking players and exaggerating contact.
Liso added: "He plays his game, it comes out well for him. The referees catch his mistakes, and then he'll continue doing it. If the referees catch them, it will continue the same."
The Brazilian had been jeered heavily throughout, but his introduction undeniably shifted momentum in Los Blancos' favour.
Madrid stay top but questions over reputation & refereeing return
This is not the first time Madrid have been at the centre of VAR controversy in La Liga. Critics accused referees of inconsistency last season, particularly with red cards and penalty decisions involving Los Blancos. While no wrongdoing is suggested, Getafe’s fury has reignited debates over refereeing standards and perceived favouritism toward Spain’s biggest clubs.
For Alonso, the result brought relief more than satisfaction. His side looked flat for large spells and were heavily dependent on individual moments from Vinícius and Mbappe. The Frenchman’s goal means he has now scored in 13 of his last 14 matches for club and country – the best start to a season by a Madrid player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014-15.
Getty Images SportFocus turns to Juventus and El Clasico as Getafe simmer
Madrid now shift their attention to a huge Champions League fixture against Juventus. They remain unbeaten in Europe, but Alonso will demand a sharper, more controlled performance especially with Barcelona looming in El Clasico on October 26. Squad rotation will be crucial, with Mbappe expected to be rested at some stage before the Barca clash.
Getafe, meanwhile, will appeal Nyom’s red card and could face disciplinary action for their post-match comments. As for Madrid, victory maintains momentum, but the manner of the win adds pressure. Every decision will now be scrutinised more closely and with the title race heating up, the spotlight will only intensify.