Real Madrid effectively waved goodbye to their already faint hopes of mounting a challenge for the Spanish league title when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at modest city neighbours Getafe on Sunday.Real’s third league loss in five games, which comes just four days after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus, leaves them 11 points adrift of leaders Barcelona with 10 games left until the end of the season.Apart from a brief spell of early domination, Real were always on the back foot against Getafe, who have mounted an impressive bid for survival this season despite their limited resources. A neatly-taken volley by midfielder Raul Albiol and a superb finish from former Real striker Riki handed Getafe a thoroughly deserved win against their illustrious neighbours. Earlier, Villarreal moved up to third spot in the standings, seven points behind Real after striker Diego Forlan inspired them to a 4-1 home win over Espanyol.Getafe played fluent passing football in midfield before subjecting Real to intense pressure as they pinned them back in their area around the half-hour. The Primera Liga newcomers were finally rewarded when midfielder Raul Albiol cracked in with a neatly timed volley after Real defender Ivan Helguera had sliced a clearance over his own head in the 37th minute.Perez vows to battle on MADRID: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will not walk away from the club despite their failure to challenge leaders Barcelona in the Primera Liga and their exit from the Champions League. Getafe’s surprise 2-1 win over Real on Sunday left Barcelona, who won 2-0 against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, with an 11-point lead at the top of the table with 10 games left.“I am sad but I have not thought about quitting. I have the support of the fans, and in order not to let them down, I have to continue working. I will see out my mandate at this club,” Perez said.(Reuters)
