Match Preview: Getafe vs Real Madrid
By: Enzo Karema
Having done just enough at Anfield in midweek to ensure a place in the Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid will return to action today, locking horns with Getafe, one of their last 8 opponents in this edition of LaLiga. With a win, the Merengues could continue putting pressure on Atlético de Madrid in their pursuit for the league title, while Getafe could get further away from the relegation zone, and end their winless streak in this fixture.
What to Expect
With 0 wins in their last 5 league games, Getafe are in poor form to put it simply. At this stage of the season, the Azulones have found themselves on the right side of the league table over the last couple of seasons, but are 15th as it stands, not too far from Elche, the first side in the relegation zone. They tend to be very aggressive, at times defensive and particularly reckless, therefore one would expect them to be exactly that in any of their games.
Differently, Real Madrid last tasted defeat in late January. They have been the complete opposite of José Bordalás’ men, both in terms of form and football played. Nonetheless, their lack of luck means they will be a goalkeeper and striker away from having a full eleven of absences. Zinedine Zidane can be pleased his group is still the favourite today, but not that he’ll have to prepare it twice as well as he would in normal circumstances.
We can look forward to an even, tense and physical encounter.
Team News
Getafe will lack the services of Erick Cabaco, Cucho Hernández, Darío Poveda, Enes Ünal and Sofian Chakla very probably. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will miss Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard, Raphaël Varane, Lucas Vázquez, Ferland Mendy, Nacho, Casemiro, Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde either due to injury, illness or suspension.
Expected Lineups
Getafe:
David Soria
Nyom — Djené — David Timor — Olivera
Arambarri — Maksimović
Aleñá — Cucurella — Portillo
Jaime Mata
Real Madrid:
Courtois
Odriozola — Militão — Chust — Marcelo
Modrić — Kroos — Isco
Rodrygo — Benzema — Vini Jr
Players to Watch
Getafe: Marc Cucurella.
Real Madrid: Isco.
Prediction
Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
Getafe never seem to do well against Real Madrid, and with the ugly form they’re in, only the most optimistic of their supporters would predict them to sensationally come out victorious this time. However, with the number of absences their visitors will have, they may not suffer a thrashing after all. It’ll be interesting to see what Bordalás and Zidane pull off intending to collect all points at stake, but this may not turn out to be a goal fest.
