Real Madrid will enter this match heavy favourites and in search of their first win, but, Getafe will be aiming to avoid a second consecutive defeat.
It has not been the perfect start to the new season for Jose Mourinho’s men. They only managed a draw in round one of La Liga against Valencia in an ill-tempered affair. Then in mid-week against Barcelona in the first-leg of the Supercopa they lost 3-2 – a score-line that was rather flattering for Real who were outplayed for the best part by their illustrious hosts.
Speculation continues to surround the champions despite the season already being well underway. Kaka and Nuri Sahin were left out of the squad for the Barca game, suggesting that both could soon be on their way out of the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, the on-and-off transfer saga involving Luka Modric continues to drag on.
Despite the off-field distractions and while they will certainly have one eye on next Wednesday’s Supercopa return leg at home to Barca, Mourinho’s side will be expected to grab all three points and claim their first win of the season.
But, Luis Garcia Plaza’s side will try and make it hard for their more celebrated guests – like they did last year when they went down only by the narrowest of margins. And there is definitely the belief within the side, evidenced by Getafe midfielder Mehdi Lacen who was quoted this week saying, “I hope we play well and get three points.”
The hosts will unfortunately not be permitted to play star midfielder, Pedro Leon. On loan for a second consecutive season from Los Blancos, there is a clause in the agreement between the two clubs that he is not to participate in matches against the champions. Though, Getafe president, Angel Torres, seems to disagree after declaring this week, “Pedro Leon is ours and we can play him against Madrid.”
With one team desperate to win and the other desperate to avoid defeat, this fixture could again be decided by the odd goal like it was last term, when Sergio Ramos’s solitary strike proved the difference.
Keep an eye on: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – The Portuguese ace was relatively quiet last week against Los Che. However, after scoring a brilliant headed-goal against Barcelona midweek, he will be looking to open his La Liga account against an opposition who he has scored eight times against in just five appearances over the years.
Kick-off: Sunday August 26, 8pm (UK time)
Form Guide: Real Madrid (- – – – D) Getafe (- – – – L)
Last season: Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
Stat fact: Real Madrid have won the last seven meetings home and away between these two clubs.
Getafe (probable): Moya; Valera, Abraham, Alexis, Torres; Michel, Lacen; Barrada, Lafita, Castro; Miku
Real Madrid (probable): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Coentrao; Xabi Alonso, Diarra, Ozil, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Higuain
