La Liga returns this weekend with league leaders Real Madrid making the short trip across the capital to face Getafe at the Coliseum on Sunday night.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST, as Xabi Alonso’s men look to maintain their position at the summit ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona. Meanwhile, the hosts are desperate to halt a worrying run of four matches without a win.
Team form
José Bordalás’ side made a bright start to the campaign, winning three of their opening four fixtures against Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Real Oviedo. However, that early promise has faded in recent weeks.
Getafe have failed to win any of their last four league games, losing 3-0 away to Barcelona before drawing with Alaves and Levante.
Their most recent outing, a 2-0 defeat at Osasuna before the international break, highlighted their growing struggles in front of goal and saw them slip down to mid-table.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have got off to a flying start under new boss Xabi Alonso. After replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, Alonso guided Los Blancos to six consecutive victories to open the campaign.
While not every performance has been dominant, Madrid have shown steel and cutting edge that is needed to win games.
Their perfect record, however, came to an abrupt end with a humbling 5-2 defeat in the Madrid derby against Atletico.
Alonso’s men responded in ideal fashion, defeating Villarreal 3-1 in their last outing, and they’ll view this as another opportunity to reassert their authority at the top of La Liga.
Head-to-head
Getafe’s record against Real Madrid makes grim reading for the home fans. They are currently on a seven-match losing streak against Los Blancos, scoring just once during that run; a solitary goal in a 2-1 defeat at the Bernabéu in 2023.
Despite the lopsided results, Getafe have often managed to keep the scorelines respectable, with none of the last seven meetings being decided by more than two goals.
In fact, three of those clashes ended 1-0, and three more finished 2-0 in Madrid’s favour.
Team news
Getafe’s squad looks in relatively good shape, with no new injuries reported during the break. The big boost is the return of Adrián Liso, who has been away representing Spain at the U20 World Cup.
The forward scored three times in his first five appearances this season and will be welcomed back as a key attacking outlet for Bordalás.
For Real Madrid, injuries remain a concern. Defenders Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal are still sidelined, leaving Alonso short at the back.
The international break also brought fresh worries, as Franco Mastantuono and Dean Huijsen both picked up knocks that will keep them out here.
The positive news is that Kylian Mbappé, who returned early from France duty as a precaution, is expected to be fit to lead the line.
Key stats
Kylian Mbappé has nine goals and two assists in eight La Liga matches this season.
Vinícius Júnior has five goals and four assists in eight league appearances.
Adrián Liso is Getafe’s top scorer with three goals in five matches.
Luis Milla has provided five assists in eight La Liga outings for Getafe.
Prediction
Getafe are rarely blown away by Real Madrid, and their compact defensive setup should ensure this doesn’t turn into a one-sided contest.
Still, Madrid’s quality in the final third, particularly with Mbappé and Viní Jr. in form, should be telling over 90 minutes.
Los Blancos are likely to control the tempo, create plenty of chances, and eventually take home another three points to stay top of La Liga.
