Real Madrid travelled to city rivals Getafe on Saturday in the Spanish Primera Liga. Real, fourth in the standings at the start of the weekend, were looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the domestic season. But in a first half almost entirely bereft of goalmouth action, the main point of interest for the fans seemed to be the presence of tennis star Rafael Nadal among the crowd. Nadal - a Real supporter - will have been unimpressed with the lack of quality on the pitch. Equally aggrieved, it seems, was Real coach Fabio Capello, who, having watched his side perform so insipidly, brought on Ronaldo and Raul as half-time substitutions. Neither was able to impose themselves on the game, however, and Getafe grew in confidence and ambition. Manu forced Iker Casillas to save well at his near post 14 minutes into the second half. And from the resulting corner, Getafe went in front, defender Ruano Alexis losing his marker Raul Bravo and directing a header into the top corner. Ten minutes later the home side were denied a second, when substitute Alberto's shot brushed the outside of the post with Casillas beaten. Real were reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when Ronaldo received a second yellow card, apparently for words directed toward referee Gonzalez Vazquez. A man down, Real were presented with one last chance when a misplaced pass from Ruben Pulido found Robinho. The Brazilian curled in the most inviting of crosses - but with the goal at his mercy, Guti just failed to make contact. The final score one-nil to Getafe, who are ninth. A miserable night for Real Madrid, their first defeat in La Liga sees them slip down to fifth. (AP)
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