These final few games with Marcelo...

Getafe went to the Bernabéu intent on boring themselves and boring the pants off everyone else. That was disappointing to see, because you would expect something more from Quique Flores - a man who is well thought of in Madrid and in the football world in general. He has worked wonders in his third stint at Getafe. But yesterday, his team sat back, content to let the minutes pass and occasionally had the gall to time-waste and other funny business which irritated the home fans. That left the game entirely down to where Madrid wanted to take it. Modric and Kroos were unused subs, held in reserve for Tuesday’s return leg against Chelsea, which is looking promising but Madrid know they can take nothing for granted. Ancelotti’s team played, with their minds half on the job at hand and half on next week’s visit from Chelsea.

Madrid played with insistence - sending long balls upfield, looking for chinks in Getafe’s armour (Vinicius found them more than Rodrygo over on the opposite flank) and they worked for the win. But in a very bland, workman-like way, as though they were going through the motions until it’s time for something much more interesting - like Tuesday’s game. With victory in the bag, Madrid maintain a huge 12 point advantage over their nearest rivals, Sevilla, with just seven games left to play. The title race is practically over and Madrid’s hopes are now pinned on the Champions League, with PSG eliminated and Chelsea down and out for the count. If nothing untoward happens, Madrid will be in the semis.

For me, the game had another interesting angle - it gave us a rare chance to enjoy watching Marcelo. I don’t think we will get many more chances to do so - this is his final season and time has caught up with him as it does to all of us. But he’s still there, a dream to watch in action, with his unwavering optimism and enthusiasm in attack. Last night’s game was ideal for him because the rivals didn’t threaten down his wing and the rhythm of the game was at a leisurely pace. Perfect conditions to savour his joyful, creative style of football. He may be ending his career as a substitute, but a very useful one - he’s always ready, and remains positive and upbeat when he doesn’t get to play. Let’s enjoy him while we can.