Match Preview

Real Madrid are back in action for a midweek match on Thursday against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. A battle between the third and fourth place clubs in the LaLiga table, this is Real’s highest-ranked matchup standings-wise in a while.

These two clubs played in Real’s very first match of the LaLiga season back in August, also the first match managed by then-new manager Julen Lopetegui. A lot has clearly changed since that 2-0 win for Real Madrid at the Bernabéu including Real’s manager.

While Getafe holds the final Champions League spot currently, just two points ahead of both Valencia and Sevilla, 10 points separate Real and Getafe. Getafe has had quite the season if they maintain their hold on that final spot in next year’s European tournament.

Real won their last match against Athletic Bilbao last Sunday, a convincing 3-0 home win led by Benzema’s hat trick. Getafe also won their last match 3-0 on Sunday at home against Sevilla.

Real will look to get their first road win since March 10 when the club defeated Valladolid. They lost to Valencia and drew to Leganes in the last two road matches respectively.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid are still dealing with injuries. The club has not released the official squad for Thursday’s match as of yet but Vinicius, Odriozola, and Ramos are all likely out still.

Getafe remain without two long-term injured winger Amath Ndiaye and left back Vitorino Antunes. They are also without right back Dimitri Foulquier.

There are no suspensions for Real on Thursday. Getafe defender Djene received a red card against Sevilla after consultation with VAR. The club has reportedly appealed, but there has been no change as of yet.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Asensio, Benzema

Nacho did not start against Athletic last Sunday, Zidane may choose to start him here over Vallejo.

Bale also did not start on Sunday, instead it was Vazquez, he could be given a start against Getafe as well.

Getafe

Soria; Bruno, Miquel, Cabrera, Suarez; Shibasaki, Arambarri, Maksimovic, Mata; Molina, Perales

Prediction

Getafe-Real Madrid 1-3

Should Djene’s red card suspension stand, that is a huge loss for the Getafe backline. He has been crucial in their success this season and has become their star defender. Needless to say, this loss hurts and is a big gain for Real’s attack on Thursday.

Real have not fared well on the road this season, but they do have a bone thrown their way here. They need to be able to exploit that weakened backline and get the win here. Obviously, being up 10 points is pretty safely secured even if Real take a loss to Getafe and the lead drops to 7, though that still isn’t ideal.

This is a clash between two teams high in the standings, Getafe has been no easy opponent this season. It will be a tough road match that will require the services of everyone to show up to, especially coming off that Benzema hat trick.

This will be a formidable match given the status of the two clubs in the league table. The stakes are always higher and more entertaining when there’s strong competition.