Rafael Varane on the mark as Real Madrid begin 2020 with dominant win over Getafe

Real Madrid began 2020 in style with a clinical 3-0 win over Getafe on Saturday. Raphael Varane had a hand in two of the goals as Los Blancos won on their return from the winter break.

France defender Varane provided the aerial challenge which led to David Soria's own goal and then headed the second shortly after half-time.

Thibaut Courtois was forced to make numerous saves for Madrid before the visitors scored a late third from Luka Modric deep into added time.

Madrid, who were without the suspended Sergio Ramos, started positively with Karim Benzema having a header saved. But they soon had to rely on Courtois to keep them in the game.

The goalkeeper produced a stunning save to keep out Mauro Arambarri's volley from the edge of the area in the 24th minute.

Ten minutes later, Madrid were ahead. Goalkeeper Soria, under pressure from Varane, failed to punch Ferland Mendy's cross clear as the ball bounced off his arm and into the net.

Faycal Fajr flashed a shot wide as Getafe tried to equalise. And soon it was over to Courtois again to keep Madrid ahead.

The Belgian pushed Fajr's effort wide and then prevented Leandro Cabrera heading in the equaliser from close range.

Getafe made a quick start to the second half as Angel Rodriguez fired over and Jaime Mata was denied by Courtois, although both were flagged offside.

Madrid made it 2-0 after 53 minutes when the unmarked Varane headed in Toni Kroos' free-kick.

Gareth Bale had a great chance to finish the game but chipped straight at Soria.

Soria then kept out Dani Carvajal's shot from distance and Vinicius Junior hit the side-netting as Madrid saw out the game.

They added a third in added time when Modric converted from Federico Valverde's pass, handing Getafe only their second home league defeat this season. The win extended Madrid's unbeaten run to 10 league matches and added pressure on title rivals Barcelona.