An Arjen Robben inspired Real Madrid moved up to third in the Primera Liga.
Despite the win Real remain 12 points behind Barcelona, who top the table on 44 points following their 3-1 over Real Mallorca on Saturday.
Getafe stormed into a three-goal lead at Estadio El Madrigal as Esteban Granero, Jaime Gavilan and Javier Casquero all netted in the first 29 minutes.
But third-placed Villarreal fought valiantly with former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires pulling one back before Sebastian Eguren and ex-Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi struck in the final moments.
Celtic are facing a tough task to advance to the last 16 after slipping to a 1-0 defeat away to Villarreal.
Racing Santander are still awaiting a first win of the season after going down 2-0 at last season’s runners-up Villarreal.