With this clash falling in between Real's Champions League semi-final tie with Manchester City, a host of regular starters were rested for the visit of strugglers Getafe.
The much-changed hosts looked very disjointed in the early exchanges, and were almost behind inside two minutes when Nemanja Maksimovic’s long-range sighter drifted narrowly wide.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men eventually gained a foothold of possession and controlled the ball, but their ponderous build-up play was easy to defend for a Getafe side content to sit behind the ball and wait for their opportunities on the break.
A meagre return of just one shot on target from either side told the full story of a drab first half at the Bernabeu, with fans inside one of football’s most famous arenas hoping for more after the break.
Such was the lack of entertainment on offer, the biggest cheer from the crowd came at the sight of Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior warming up at the start of the second half. The Brazilian entered the fray on the hour mark, and instantly showed more attacking endeavour than any of his teammates had previously, driving at defenders with his trademark speed and trickery.
Real had struggled to break through all night, so it was perhaps fitting that the opening goal came from range, as Marco Asensio’s powerful effort took a wicked deflection on its way past a stranded David Soria.
Getafe had offered very little after the break, but falling behind took the wind from their sails even further as they slumped to a fourth defeat from their last five matches.
The Azulones could find themselves three points adrift of safety if results elsewhere go against them this way, as new boss Jose Bordalas faces an uphill battle to rescue them from the drop.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
