Match Preview: Getafe vs Real Madrid – 2021/22

By: Mohammed Sahel

A brand new year kicks off with an early kick off in the south of Madrid. Following what was a trophyless 2021, Los Blancos will aim to make this season’s LaLiga trophy their first (and hopefully not last) of the season. What better way to begin the year than by extending their undefeated run (currently of 15 games). 

In doing so, Madrid will almost certainly send Getafe into the relegation zone (considering Alavés and Elche don’t do too badly). So you see, it is a vital game for both Madrid-based teams. The league leaders aim to extend their superiority at the top, and Getafe with a chance of showing more of what they can do following a few uninspiring weeks at the Coliseum. 

What to Expect: 

The Azulones are an outfit that have associated themselves with energetic, direct and distinctly aggressive football. Quique Flores is a pragmatist, hasn’t changed much from Jose Bordalas’ iconic style but clearly, the Spaniard hasn’t been able to direct the team’s resources in the same way Bordalas did. 

Getafe were humbled by third tier Atletico Baleares in the Copa Del Rey not long ago. Prior to that too, they’ve endured patches of concerning inconsistency throughout the campaign. This isn’t very Getafe-like. 

They have, on most occasions, started the season poorly but they tend to find their way back and hold on to that momentum as the season wears off. Having gone half the campaign without some certainty, as they have — is not what Bordalas’ team were used to. 

Getafe can be tiring to play against, their pressing starts high up the pitch, is structurally co-ordinated and enough to keep any team on their toes. In contrast, Getafe do struggle to keep hold of the ball. Bordalas’ strategy was simply to play as vertically as possible, but Flores has on occasions insisted that his team take hold of proceedings to see out games. 

I can’t imagine that being the case today however. The last time you’d want to take the game right now is Real Madrid, Getafe will sit deep, much like Cadiz. But their aggressive intent will likely be evident much earlier and may even last much deeper into the game. 

All in all, they will try to intimidate the visitors with their intensive strategy and the hostile atmosphere at the Coliseum but at the end of the day, the onus is on them to keep Madrid out. Not the other way round. 

Team News: 

The winter break could not have come at a better time for Carlo Ancelotti’s COVID-ravaged squad. It was something of a breather really. The list of players out with the virus really has shortened in just these past few days. Eduardo Camavinga is suspended, and Luka Jović remains quarantined. 

Thibaut Courtois and Fede Valverde’s recent tests returned negative and they will be able to feature in today’s game. Albeit fitness and sharpness are valid concerns for all that haven’t trained properly as of late. Dani Carvajal’s most recent injury keeps him out. Should Ancelotti stick to his big guns, he will almost certainly rotate in the Copa Del Rey in midweek. 

Djené is suspended and Vitolo is a doubt for Getafe. 

Squad list for Sunday’s match against Getafe. VAMOS 💪

Players NOT called up: Vinicius, Carvajal, Camavinga, Bale & Jovic.#GetafeRealMadrid #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/DFq9c1Qyr3

— Real Madrid News (@onlyrmcfnews) January 1, 2022

Expected Line-ups: 

Real Madrid: 

Courtois 

Vázquez — Militão — Alaba — Mendy 

Modrić — Modrić — Kroos 

Asensio — Benzema — Rodrygo

Getafe: 

Soria 

Suárez — Chema — Mitrović — Cuenca — Olivera 

Aleñá — Maksimović — Arambarri 

Enes Ünal — Ramírez 

Player to Watch: 

Getafe: Damian Suarez. The veteran Spanish right back has been heavily reliable for Getafe. Do not mistake him for an “up and down” wing back in a back five, he’s more of a defensive full back who gets the job done pretty much all the time. 

At 33, pace isn’t one of Suarez’s biggest assets but his discipline and ability to read space is exceptional. Elsewhere, Enes Ünal is their most threatening goalscorer, and a capable hold up player. Except, the 24 year old hasn’t been his most lethal self. 

Real Madrid: Éder Militão. The year ended brilliantly for the Brazilian. He’s been enjoying his best run of form, almost impeccably solid in the heart of defence. Off the pitch, his girlfriend recently announced that she was going to have a baby. Militão deserved all the credit for how consistent he’s been this season. Life is good. 

Prediction:

Getafe 0-2 Real Madrid. 

On the back of a near perfect run of results, Los Blancos should be able to see the game out. They lost just twice in the league last year. I don’t think Getafe are going to dent their record this year, not so soon.