Early league leaders Real Madrid will aim to continue their perfect start to the season when they welcome Getafe to the renovated Nuevo Santiago Bernabeu stadium tomorrow afternoon.
After securing three wins out of all three opening fixtures of the new season, Real Madrid has a chance to strengthen their position at the top of the table tomorrow against neighborhood rivals Getafe. Los Blancos approach this match on the back of a 1-0 victory against Celta Vigo which saw new super signing Jude Bellingham score his fourth goal of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side finished 10 points short of La Liga winners Barcelona last campaign and while they are devoid of a world-class natural striker this season, things may favour Madrid as they have a host of energetic midfielders who with the right tactical impetus can run the show.
Meanwhile, Getafe head into the game after a mediocre start to the season but they did get their first victory of the new term in their last match versus newly promoted Alaves. Former Real Madrid man Borja Mayoral netted home from the spot as Jose Bordalas’ side picked up three points to move 11th in the league standings.
The Azulones have already held Barcelona on the first matchday of the season in a hotly contested fixture which saw Jaime Mata and Raphinha sent off. A similar showing is predicted tomorrow as a point from the current league leaders would mean a lot for last season’s relegation-threatened team.
Team News
Carlo Ancelotti will be without star performer Vinicius Junior for a month or so due to a muscular problem picked up by him against Celta Vigo.
Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Arda Guler remain the long-term absentees.
Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are nearing their return from injuries and they could be on the bench tomorrow. Joselu may get a part to play.
As for Getafe, Jose Bordalas will miss Jose Angel Carmona, Mauro Arambari, Luis Milla and Enes Unal with long-term injuries.
Carles Alena and Portu might get the nod but a similar starting lineup is predicted from the Alaves match.
Predicted XIs
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Joselu, Rodrygo
Getafe (4-4-2): Soria; Suarez, Duarte, Mitrovic, Alvarez; Iglesias, Maksimovic, Dakonam, Mata; Mayoral, Latasa
