Real Madrid 1-1 Getafe
Just moments after David Beckham struck the woodwork in the 37th minute, Daniel Güiza controlled a superb pass from Cotelo, and fired past Casillas to hand Getafe a shock lead at the Bernabeu.
However, Van Nistelrooy converted a 45th minute penalty to bring Madrid back level. That is how it remained through the second half, though, as Schuster's boys picked up a brave result at the Bernabeu.
It might have been only a share of the spoils for Capello, but for once, the Bernabeu could not accuse him of defensive tactics. Getafe did well and deserved their point, but Los Merengues played some decent football.
First Half
Real Madrid started with an adventurous team, without a defensive midfielder for the first time under Capello, with Reyes, Robinho, Gago and Beckham in the middle.
The formation might have had a lot to do with Guti and Diarra being suspended, and Emerson declaring himself unavailable for the Bernabeu, but it was an attacking team nonetheless.
It almost proved costly immediately, though, as a quick break saw Guiza slip a superb ball through to young Albin - making his first start for Getafe - and the forward put it in the back of the net only to be ruled offside. Correctly so!
Getafe had sent out their early warning, and that woke Madrid up. Slowly but surely, they started settling down, and Robinho forcing Abbondanzieri into a save from 25 yards out was the first sign.
Van Nistelrooy then shot straight into the Argentine's arms after some superb play from Robinho set him up, as Madrid tried to make an impression. However, despite their attacking flair, they were being out-muscled in midfield by a gutsy Getafe, who were looking dangerous every time they had the ball.
Los Merengues had another close shave in the 25th minute, when Nacho headed Cotelo's cross onto the bar, with Casillas well beaten.
Reyes had a great chance cleared off the line, and went down in pain after falling awkwardly on his knee. The Sevilla man had to be stretchered off in the 34th minute, with De la Red coming on, and Beckham hit the woodwork immediately afterwards - from open play!
Getafe made the most of that, breaking quickly, and Cotelo - who had been lively through the game - sent in a great pass which Guiza controlled and finished brilliantly to silence the Bernabeu!
It was beginning to look like another one of those nights for Madrid, and more so when Gago was booked for diving in the area in an attempt to win a desperate penalty.
However, just minutes later, Robinho was upended by Abbondanzieri, and the referee pointed to the spot. Van Nistelrooy - who has missed three this season - sent Abbondanzieri the wrong way, and brought Madrid level just as the two teams headed into the break.
An evenly poised game!
Second Half
The second half started with Real Madrid looking to improve on their game, and David Beckham made the first impact, forcing a save out of Abbondanzieri in the 49th minute.
Getafe were looking slow after their first half efforts, but still managing to shade possession. Van Nistelrooy turned well to head for the box in the 60th minute, but was brutally upended by Tena just outside. However Roberto Carlos blasted his free-kick straight into the wall. Three wonderful stepovers from Robinho saw him land a chance in the 68th, but he threw the good work away by letting it fly high.
David Beckham picked up a knock and was replaced by Cassano, in a move which would see Gago remain on the pitch as the only Madrid midfielder. With Reyes, Robinho, Higuain, Cassano and Van Nistelrooy on the pitch, one wondered if Capello was truly in charge!
They were not doing enough up front, and it was a risky game Madrid were playing in defense. The impressive Guiza found Albin in space, but the youngster's shot flew just over in the 74th minute. Another close shave!
Schuster brought on fresh legs, taking Albin and Cotelo off for Alberto and Redondo. De la Red turned well to register a stinging shot from outside the area, but Tena threw himself into the way. Robinho then split the Getafe defense and found Cassano, but the Italian failed to strike it early, and Abbondanzieri was up to it. The frustrated Italian was booked for diving two minutes later.
With eight minutes to go, Schuster made his final change, bringing on Pachon for Guiza, who had worked his socks off. Getafe were content to see the game out now!
The big moment of controversy came in the 90th minute, as Cassano tumbled in the area under what looked like a foul, but the referee refused to give a penalty. The earlier dives would surely have played a part! Four minutes of time was added on, and Madrid had one final big chance, with Gago bringing the best out of Abbondanzieri in the 93rd minute.
The game ended 1-1, and Schuster's Getafe continued their solid mid-table run. Real Madrid remain fourth, six adrift of leaders Sevilla, but they could fall into fifth place, and out of the Champions League positions, if city-rivals Atletico Madrid win later tonight. Bayern Munich representatives in the stadium will also take home positive news!
Goals:
0-1: Guiza (38')
1-1: Van Nistelrooy (45', pen.)
Goal.com - La Liga Report: Battling Getafe Hold Real Madrid