Head coach Jose Bordalas did not hold back his pride after Getafe CF delivered one of the shocks of the season with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In a result that ended an 18-year wait for a win on Madrid’s turf, Getafe combined tactical discipline with defensive resilience to frustrate the title contenders.
Crucially, Bordalas insisted the triumph was no fluke but the outcome of meticulous preparation throughout the week.
“I am very proud of everyone,” Bordalas said after the final whistle. “They played an excellent game. We must value this important victory against a Real Madrid team that is playing for the championship.
“The plan worked perfectly, which is what we were working on during the week.”
The historic nature of the result was not lost on the Getafe boss. Winning at the Bernabeu is a rare achievement, and Bordalas acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge his side overcame.
“We all know that beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is not something anyone can do. They are one of the best teams in history.
“We knew we would have to suffer. It’s true that in the first half, if we had been a little calmer on the counterattacks, we might have created more problems,” he added.
A major tactical focus was containing Madrid’s attacking weapons, particularly Vinicius Junior.
Getafe’s defensive structure proved decisive, limiting the Brazilian’s usual impact in one-on-one situations and in transition.
“Obviously, Vini is in spectacular form. We all enjoy watching him play.
“But the support for Vini’s actions, the one-on-ones, has been formidable. It wasn’t his best game, perhaps because we were very good in defence, and the support was very good.
“Real Madrid with Vini is often unstoppable, and today we neutralised quite a few plays. And that’s not easy.”
There was also a moment of controversy involving Antonio Rudiger, with questions raised over a potential red card. Bordalas chose not to inflame the situation but hinted at his view.
“Everyone saw it very clearly.”
Despite the celebrations, the Getafe manager was quick to refocus on the bigger picture in La Liga. With the season still finely balanced, he warned against complacency.
“Now it’s time to enjoy the victory and the points.
“It’s been a tough season. We haven’t done anything yet. There’s still a long way to go in La Liga. It’s very even, and we have a lot at stake.
“This gives us energy. We can’t let our guard down, we can’t believe anything,” he concluded.
For Getafe, however, this landmark win at the Bernabeu will live long in the memory: a tactical masterclass and a statement result in a fiercely competitive campaign.
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