The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Real Madrid face early season crisis after being humbled by neighbours Getafe

 

Saul Brookfield,Ed Henry
Tuesday 28 August 2012 12:01 BST
Comments
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The La Liga season may only be two games old but a sense of crisis is building at Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho's side were humbled by neighbours Getafe 2-1 and already trail Barcelona by five points in the table.

A smart 27th-minute finish from Gonzalo Higuain looked to have set Real on their way but the visitors' defence cracked twice in the second half as goals from Juan Valera and Abdelaziz Barrada gave Getafe a famous win. Real's Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao was then sent off in added time

Barcelona had to come from behind to win 2-1 at 10-man Osasuna. Predictably Lionel Messi got both of Barça's goals in the second half after Joseba Llorente put Osasuna ahead in the 17th minute.

In Italy, Milan, who are hoping to bring Kaka back to the club on loan from Real Madrid, slumped to a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sampdoria at San Siro.

Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain's poor start to the season continued in France as they were held 0-0 at home by Bordeaux.

Steve McClaren's FC Twente lead the Eredivisie after beating NEC 3-1 yesterday for their third straight win of the season.

The victory left Twente as the only team in the Dutch top flight with a 100 per cent record after three rounds. Luc Castaignos opened the scoring for Twente and Russian striker Dmitry Bulykin made it 2-0, heading home a pass from Dusan Tadic. Leroy Fer made it 3-0 at half-time from the penalty spot.

Evander Sno pulled a late goal back for NEC, angering McClaren. "This team's going to give me a heart attack," he said. "We can't keep a clean sheet. The last 10, 15 minutes was not in control."

The United States striker Jozy Altidore hit the post but could not add to his league-leading tally of four goals in his first two matches as SC Heerenveen held his AZ side to a scoreless draw.

Jonathan Reis scored both goals as Vitesse Arnhem beat Willem II 2-0, Feyenoord won 2-1 at Heracles and PSV beat FC Groningen 3-1.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in