Real Madrid look to bounce back from a disappointing Champions League defeat as they host Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors, fresh from a Copa del Rey triumph, will aim to defy the odds against a heavily favored Los Blancos side.
Match Preview
Real Madrid’s recent form has been erratic, with three losses in their last five matches across all competitions.
Following a string of setbacks, including a damaging 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are eager to reignite their momentum.
The midweek loss highlighted some vulnerabilities for Los Blancos, with missed opportunities and defensive lapses costing them dearly.
However, in La Liga, they have rebounded strongly, securing back-to-back wins against Osasuna and Leganés, scoring seven goals and conceding none.
Currently sitting second in the table, Real Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by four points but with a game in hand.
They aim to capitalize on this fixture to maintain pressure at the top. With an impeccable home record in La Liga this season—18 points from seven matches—the Santiago Bernabéu remains a fortress.
Getafe, meanwhile, come into this match on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Manises in the Copa del Rey and a crucial 2-0 league win against Real Valladolid.
However, their away form has been dismal, managing just two points from six matches on the road.
Historically, Getafe have struggled against Real Madrid, with only one win in their last 29 encounters. Their last victory at the Bernabéu dates back to February 2008.
Despite this, recent meetings have been competitive, with Madrid edging a tight 2-1 win in their most recent La Liga clash at home.
Team News
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains depleted by injuries, with key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militão, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba unavailable. On a brighter note, Aurelien Tchouaméni and Rodrygo could return to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz, and Kylian Mbappé are all fit despite minor knocks against Liverpool. Lucas Vázquez is expected to start at right-back, pushing Federico Valverde back into midfield. Dani Ceballos may also feature in the middle, potentially giving Luka Modrić a rest. Fran García could replace Ferland Mendy at left-back.
Predicted Lineup:
Courtois; Vázquez, Rüdiger, Asencio, F. García; Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, Díaz
Getafe
Getafe face their own challenges, with Carles Aleñá ruled out due to a muscle problem, and Borja Mayoral likely to start on the bench as he recovers from a similar issue.
Additionally, Bertuğ Yıldırım and Djené Dakonam are suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulations.
On-loan Real Madrid striker Álvaro Rodríguez, fresh off his first goal for Getafe, is expected to lead the line. His presence could add an interesting subplot to this encounter.
Predicted Lineup:
Soria; Iglesias, Duarte, Alderete, Rico; Milla, Arambarri; Nyom, Uche, Pérez; Rodríguez
Key Matchup
Real Madrid’s potent attack, led by Mbappé and Bellingham, will face one of La Liga’s tightest defenses.
Getafe have only conceded 11 goals this season—the second-best defensive record in the league—but their lack of firepower up front (just 10 goals in 14 matches) could prove their undoing.
Prediction
While Getafe’s defensive organization and recent form offer some promise, Real Madrid’s dominance in this fixture is difficult to ignore.
Despite their injury concerns, Los Blancos should have enough quality to secure a narrow victory.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Getafe
