Capello offers no Real Madrid excuses

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello offered no excuses after their poor defeat to Getafe yesterday.
 
A much-changed Real slumped to their first league defeat of the season after Getafe defender Alexis headed home the game's only goal just before the hour mark.

Capello, who was without three quarters of his first-choice defence because of injuries and suspension, admits his side were poor and gave credit to Getafe for taking full advantage.

"I think Getafe deserved to win. We played badly and bore the brunt of their players' aggressiveness," he said after the game.

"We lacked rhythm. They were faster and wanted it more."

With Fabio Cannavaro out injured and Sergio Ramos suspended, Capello was forced to use a makeshift partnership of Ivan Helguera and Raul Bravo in the centre of defence.

Capello admits Helguera was struggling for fitness in the second half, but having already brought on attacking trio Raul, Ronaldo and Robinho, he could not make any more changes.

"We played the first half with two centre-backs who hadn't played in a long time," Capello said.

"Helguera had cramps during the second half, and I couldn't replace him because I had already made three changes."

Real's misery was made complete late on when Ronaldo was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, meaning he will miss next weekend's showdown with his former club Barcelona.

Before that match, however, Real have a Champions League encounter with Steaua Bucharest, a game which is also vital to the Spanish giants.

"We have to focus on Tuesday's important match against Steaua Bucharest," Capello said.

Real's defeat to Getafe means they will slip five points behind Barcelona if the league leaders beat Sevilla at the Nou Camp on today.