Real Madrid hosts Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday in a crucial La Liga clash. After a disappointing Champions League defeat to Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti’s men aim to bounce back, while Getafe looks to build on their recent Copa del Rey victory over Manises.
Real Madrid: Seeking Redemption
Real Madrid are going through a rough patch, having lost three of their last five games in all competitions. The midweek 2-0 defeat to Liverpool exposed some weaknesses, although Los Blancos are still strong in La Liga, having recorded back-to-back wins against Osasuna and Leganés.
Currently second in the La Liga standings, Real Madrid trails Barcelona by four points but holds a game in hand. Ancelotti’s side boasts the league’s best home record, earning 18 points from seven matches at the Bernabéu. With upcoming fixtures against Athletic Bilbao and Girona, Sunday’s match is pivotal in maintaining their title push.
Key Stats:
Real Madrid has won their last two league games, scoring seven goals and conceding none.
They boast the best home record in La Liga this term.
Getafe: Defensive Resilience on Trial
Getafe go to the Bernabéu in good spirits, fresh from a 3-0 Copa del Rey victory and a league triumph over Real Valladolid. Although 15th in the table, José Bordalás’s team have proved to be stubbornly resilient at the back, letting in only 11 goals – the second-best tally in the league. The problem is, they don’t score many either – just 10 in 14 games.
Getafe have much poorer history against Real Madrid with only one win at the Bernabéu since 2008, however, the recent meetings have all been relatively close and they’ll aim to capitalize on any lingering tiredness from Real Madrid’s midweek exploits.
Key Stats:
Getafe has won only two points from six road matches this season.
Their defense is tied for second-best in the league, but their offense is dead last.
Team News
Real Madrid
Without a doubt, Los Blancos will be without the services of Vinícius Jr., Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Éder Militão. While Aurelien Tchouaméni and Rodrygo might return, there were also question marks over Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, but they seem available.
This could see Lucas Vázquez continue at right-back, with Federico Valverde slotted back into midfield. Fran García might also come in for Ferland Mendy at left-back.
Starting XI:
Courtois; Vázquez, Rüdiger, Asencio, F. García; Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, Díaz.
Getafe
Getafe will be without Carles Aleñá due to injury, while Borja Mayoral may only make the bench. Suspensions rule out Bertug Yildirim and Djene Dakonam. Álvaro Rodríguez, on loan from Real Madrid, is eligible to play and is expected to lead the line.
Predicted Starting XI:
Soria; Iglesias, Duarte, Alderete, Rico; Milla, Arambarri; Nyom, Uche, Pérez; Rodríguez.
Match Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Getafe
While Getafe’s defense will likely frustrate Real Madrid, the home side’s dominance in this fixture and superior quality should see them edge a close encounter. Expect Los Blancos to secure a hard-fought victory and keep their title hopes alive.
