Though Madrid walloped Getafe by two goals to nil, a match where Gareth Bale was rated 9/10 in performance got Julen Lopetegui's side off to the perfect start in the 2018-19 La Liga season, but the lack of home fans was as conspicuous as the absence of their former talisman C.Ronaldo.

The attendance was just 48,466 for the first home game of the season, which should have attracted both hardcore fans and football tourists to see some of the biggest names in world football.

It is instructive to note that the last time Real Madrid played in front of fans that is less than 50,000 at Santiago Bernabeu crowd was the final home game of the 2008-09 season, which was before the arrival of the Portuguese talisman.

However, the empty seats at the Bernabeu can not only be attributed to the absence of Ronaldo but may be as a result of the late kickoff time which hindered a lot of younger fans.

Also, the new stopper in the club Thibaut Courtios is yet to be at goal post for his new club and many fans are hoping for a glimpse of new the goalkeeper in action. The World Cup Golden Glove winner, who was Chelsea No.1 goalkeeper  is still struggling with Keylor Navas for the No.1 shirt at Real Madrid, but the Madrid coach said he will like the competition between the goalkeepers.

What is matter for Real Madrid is securing the three points they needed to contest for the LA Liga title this season.