Real Madrid 0-1 Getafe

The signs were already there. We should have known. With hindsight perhaps we did, perhaps they did, but nobody did anything about it. Real Madrid do not know how to react. From nine-point advantages at the summit of the table and seven-goal thrashings, this time next week could see the liderisimo second in the table.
How has this happened? Complacency.

The Porn Star believes that things will just click, and that no matter how low on confidence, no matter how out of form, and no matter how in need of a rest they are, Schuster does not trust many members of his squad.

That is the only reason that explains seeing Gonzalo Higuain ending up playing in central midfield, the only reason why an exhausted Ruud Van Nistelrooy continues to play ahead of Roberto Soldado, and the only reason why Royston Drenthe didn't start against Getafe. In his place, Schuster opted for another central midfielder - Baptista - who had a typical Baptista game replete with hard work, poor touches and no space to run into.

So while Real Madrid tried time and time again to go through the middle, Getafe grew in confidence with a 0-0 scoreline. When Schuster finally did choose to replace the ineffectual Baptista for the width and pace of Drenthe, Real Madrid took just three minutes to score. Maybe they did have the power to react. Or maybe not...

Because Robben's disallowed effort in the 64th minute - correctly cancelled out for offside from Raul - took Robben, Drenthe, Gago, Van Nistelrooy and others an eternity to see the linesman's flag raised. They were celebrating right in front of him, but nobody saw it! The relief of having broken the deadlock unleashed pandemonium amongst the players, especially the hilariously expressive Robben, who felt they were on the way to winning a 19th consecutive league match at home. It wasn't to be.

Belenguer swiftly took the free-kick, having noticed Real Madrid's extended and lavish celebration, and launched the counter attack led by Casquero. Predictably the ball ended up in the back of the net courtesy of Uche. Fabio Cannavaro must be hoping there are no more Uches about - whenever Ikechukwu or Kalu (at Almeria) come up against the Italian they tend to score at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid also tend to score at the Bernabeu. The last time they failed to do in the league was on the 17th of February, in a 0-0 draw with Betis. That game was the first of a 20 game unbeaten home run, including 18 consecutive wins. Before last night Getafe were the last side to have taken a point away from the Blanco's 'Coliseum'. Last night, they took all three.