Real Madrid continues its push for the La Liga title this Wednesday at Getafe, aiming to keep pace with Barcelona during the season`s final weeks. This game is part of a critical stretch for Real Madrid, potentially defining their season and perhaps signaling a shift for the club. Their recent definitive exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal ended one trophy pursuit and raised questions about Los Blancos` ability to secure any silverware this campaign. This turn of events is surprising given the initial high expectations for the season, though their inconsistent results over the past eight months lend credence to these worries.
Sunday`s 1-0 victory against Athletic Club, while imperfect, was significant, reaffirming Real Madrid`s credentials as contenders for both the top La Liga spot and the Copa del Rey. The result placed Los Blancos just three points behind first-place Barcelona heading into Matchday 33. Staying in the title race for at least a few more days is vital, particularly leading up to the Copa del Rey final on Saturday against Barcelona, where both clubs will vie for their first major trophy of the season.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 23 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Coliseum — Getafe, Spain
- TV: ESPN2 | Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Getafe +380; Draw +260; Real Madrid -145
Team Insights
Getafe: Currently sitting 12th and eight points clear of the relegation zone with six matches left, Getafe appears to be in a holding pattern for the rest of the season with minimal riding on this particular game. Adding to their challenges, Allan Nyom, Diego Rico, and Christantus Uche will be unavailable, and Borja Mayoral might not be fit for the full 90 minutes. Facing Real Madrid during a critical phase for the visitors, Getafe manager Jose Bordalas acknowledged the unfavorable odds.
“I always say it`s never a good time to face Real Madrid,” he stated in his pre-match press conference. “They`re one of the world`s best teams and are still competing on two fronts. They haven`t stopped winning titles, possessing one of the best squads globally. It`s never an easy match; we understand the difficulties. The difference in every aspect is immense.”
Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti`s team enters this fixture as favorites and could afford another less-than-perfect performance provided they secure all three points, although they will miss Kylian Mbappe due to a minor injury. Despite appearing as a standard matchup between a title-chasing second-place side and a mid-table team, the game carries weight beyond the title race.
Ancelotti`s departure from Real Madrid before next season is increasingly likely, with some speculation he might leave after this weekend`s Copa del Rey final. Regardless, Wednesday`s match is expected to be among Ancelotti`s final games at the club, and this season-ending period could significantly influence his successor. The incoming manager faces a considerable task with this squad, which is talented but lacks overall balance, and the prospect of a trophyless season could make the next boss`s job even more challenging.
Expected Formations
Getafe:
- David Soria
- Djene Dakonam
- Domingos Duarte
- Omar Alderete
- Juan Iglesias
- Ramon Terrats
- Luis Milla
- Mauro Arambarri
- Juan Bernat
- Bertug Yıldırım
- Juanmi
Real Madrid:
- Thibaut Courtois
- Federico Valverde
- Raul Asencio
- Antonio Rudiger
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Luka Modric
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- Dani Ceballos
- Jude Bellingham
- Rodrygo
- Vinicius Junior
Outcome Forecast
This match is Real Madrid`s to lose. Despite their season-long inconsistency, and considering the stakes, it seems highly improbable they won`t claim all three points. However, as has often been the case for them this season, it might not be a particularly exciting game, so anticipate a low scoreline. Prediction: Getafe 0, Real Madrid 1
