Real Madrid refuses to bow to pressure from Barcelona and is hoping for a slip-up from the Catalans and a win at the Coliseum against Getafe to close the gap in the race for the league title. After being knocked out of the Champions League, Los Blancos are now focused on a double battle with Barcelona for the league and cup titles.
In La Liga, Real Madrid have had to suffer and fight until the end to stay alive in the fight for LaLiga. A volley from Fede Valverde in the 93rd minute, when Real Madrid had all but given up on LaLiga, keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the title race after another chapter of suffering, saved by a proud second half against an Athletic side full of substitutes, who gave in at the last gasp to Madrid’s faith.
The result keeps them four points behind Barcelona, who also won in extremis, coming from behind against Celta with a last-gasp penalty. Cholo Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are now out of the title race, ten points behind Hansi Flick’s side.
The Azulones are having a season well above expectations given the squad they had at the start. Getafe remain well clear of the relegation places and are aiming to finish the season in the top half of the table. To achieve this, they need to keep picking up points, which will allow them to climb further up the table and leave their rivals behind.
In their last league game on Friday, Espanyol beat Getafe with a goal from Kumbulla before halftime, in a game that was broken up by Uche’s sending off in the 60th minute, bringing the blue and white team closer to safety.
Rotations with the Copa in mind?
Real Madrid will field most of their regular starters on Sunday. Mbappé is likely to miss out with an ankle sprain. We could see some rest for players such as Rüdiger, Rodrygo, and Dani Ceballos, who returned to the starting lineup after injury. Lucas Vázquez, Alaba, Brahim, and Modric are options to start. Mendy is doubtful, and long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will not feature.
Possible Real Madrid XI
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran García
Midfielders: Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham
Forwards: Brahim, Vinicius, and Endrick.
Bordalás loses Uche
Throughout the season, Bordalás has worked magic with the squad he has had at his disposal at Getafe. In terms of the starting eleven, Diego Rico returns after serving a suspension, but Uche is out with a red card. There could be two full-backs on both sides. In addition, there are doubts in attack between Juanmi Jiménez, Borja Mayoral, and Bertug. Nyom is also doubtful.
Possible Getafe XI
Goalkeeper: Soria
Defenders: Rico, Alderete, Duarte, Iglesias
Midfielders: Milla, Arambarri, Djene
Forwards: Bernat, Terrats, Rodríguez