Real Madrid face a short trip to neighbours Getafe as they aim to respond to Barcelona’s win over Girona and move back to the top of LaLiga.
Barcelona claimed a 2-1 victory over Girona thanks to Ronald Araujo’s stoppage-time winner, the champions leapfrogging Madrid and moving back into top spot.
Madrid will be expected to resume the lead of the title race at Estadio Coliseum, though with several players out through injury, coach Xabi Alonso will need to be especially diligent with his team selection ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Juventus.
Los Blancos have lost just once in LaLiga under Alonso’s stewardship, and quickly banished the memory of that 5-2 loss at Atletico Madrid with wins over Kairat in the Champions League and Villarreal in their final fixture before this month’s international break.
But Alonso is not taking the clash with Getafe lightly despite the expectation of them maintaining momentum from those results.
“For me, the next block [of fixtures] is always the toughest,” Alonso told his pre-match press conference.
“In this one, we want to keep making progress, both in La Liga and the Champions League. We want to be consistent and perform well.
“We’re thinking about what’s next, which is Getafe. We’re not looking any further ahead, although we’re aware of what’s coming. So far, we’ve been pretty consistent and reliable, but we can’t be complacent; every opponent is well prepared.”
Team news for Getafe v Real Madrid
Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger are unavailable for selection through injury for Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe is fit after sitting out the international break with a minor ankle problem. Franco Mastantuono is also available following a muscle issue.
Adrian Liso is set to return for Getafe following the Under-20 World Cup in which he featured for Spain.
Liso has three goals in five games this season and will be a key threat as Getafe aim to spring a surprise.
However, goalkeeper Jiri Letacek will miss out with a knock.
Expected line-ups for Getafe v Real Madrid
Getafe: Soria; Dakonam, Abqar, Duarte; Femenia, Milla, Arambarri, Rico; Martin; Liso, Mayoral.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius.
How to watch Getafe v Real Madrid: TV channel, online stream
Getafe v Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm UK time. It is available to watch on Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Player. It is also available via Amazon Prime Video (Premier Sports subscription required) and on LaLiga TV.
The stats for Getafe v Real Madrid
- Madrid have won their last seven games against Getafe, last losing in 2022.
- Los Blancos have not conceded at Getafe since that 1-0 defat nearly four years ago.
- Getafe have won just once at home this season, a 2-0 victory over Oviedo.
Prediction
Madrid have been far from solid at the back this season, but they should still have far too much quality for their hosts. There’s nothing to suggest anything other than a routine away win is on the cards.
Prediction: Getafe 1-3 Real Madrid
