The result left Real Madrid four points behind leaders FC Barcelona with 12 matches remaining. Despite the setback, Arbeloa was defiant.

"No, now we have no other objective than to win the 36 points that remain at stake. This is Real Madrid and nobody gives up here. It's a gap that we think we can close," he said.

Madrid created the clearer opportunities. Vinicius Junior raced through after a defensive mistake but was denied by David Soria, while Arda Guler also forced a save at the near post. Arbeloa felt his side had done enough to win.

"We had clearer chances than Getafe. We had Vinicius's chance, Rudiger's chance, Rodrygo's chance. We knew the kind of game we were going to play. Nothing happened that we didn't know was going to happen."

However, Getafe struck before the break. A loose clearance from Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni allowed Martin Satriano to volley into the top corner, ending Getafe's long scoring drought against Madrid. It proved decisive, despite late pressure from the hosts.

Arbeloa refused to criticise his players' effort.

"I can't fault my players for their commitment. The responsibility for improving our play is mine. If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it's me."

But he was furious with Franco Mastantuono, who was sent off for dissent late on and will now miss Friday's trip to Balaidos against RC Celta de Vigo.

"It's unacceptable. The Mastantuono thing cannot happen. Huijsen and Carreras' yellow cards are part of the game. But we're going to have three very important players out in Vigo."

Getafe's win was their first league victory at the Bernabeu since 2008 and strengthened their position in mid-table, moving them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Madrid must now respond quickly. They travel to Vigo on Friday knowing that anything less than victory could allow Barcelona to extend their lead further. With a Champions League Round of 16 tie against Manchester City also looming, Arbeloa's side face a defining week in their season.

Barcelona secure veteran defender Inigo Martinez until 2026