Real Madrid`s pursuit of the La Liga title continues this Wednesday with an away fixture against Getafe. Their objective is to keep pace with Barcelona during the final stages of the season. This match falls within a crucial period for Real Madrid, which could potentially define their campaign and perhaps mark the conclusion of a particular era for the club. Their recent, disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal ended one trophy aspiration and raises doubts about Los Blancos` prospects of securing any silverware this term. This turn of events is surprising considering the high expectations placed upon them at the season`s outset, although their inconsistent form over the past eight months lends some validity to these concerns.
Sunday`s narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Club, though not flawless, was important. It helped re-establish Real Madrid`s standing as a contender for both the La Liga championship and the Copa del Rey. As a result, Los Blancos began Matchday 33 within striking distance of Barcelona, trailing the league leaders by just three points. Staying in the title race for at least a few more days is critical, particularly with the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looming this Saturday, where both teams will have their initial opportunity to claim a major trophy this season.
Storylines
Getafe: Positioned 12th in the league and eight points clear of the relegation zone with only six matches left, Getafe appears to be in a relatively comfortable mid-table position for the rest of the season, with little significant pressure surrounding this game. Their challenge is compounded by the absences of Allan Nyom, Diego Rico, and Christantus Uche, and Borja Mayoral might not be fit enough to complete the full 90 minutes. Facing Real Madrid during a key phase for their opponents, Getafe manager Jose Bordalas conceded that the odds are likely against his side. In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, he stated, `I always say it`s never an easy time to face Real Madrid. They are one of the world`s elite teams and are still competing in two competitions. They consistently win titles and boast one of the planet`s best squads. It`s never a favorable moment; we are aware of the difficulties involved. The difference in all aspects is enormous.`
Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti`s squad enters this fixture as the clear favorites and can afford another performance that isn`t perfect, provided they secure the vital three points. However, they will need to do so without Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a minor injury. While a match between the second-placed title challengers and a 12th-placed side might seem straightforward, this game carries considerable significance beyond the title race implications. It is becoming increasingly probable that Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid before the next season, with some speculation suggesting his departure could even happen immediately after the Copa del Rey final this weekend. Regardless, Wednesday`s game is likely one of Ancelotti`s final matches at the helm, and this closing period of the season could significantly influence the landscape for his eventual successor. The incoming manager already faces a substantial task with the current squad, which, despite featuring numerous stars, lacks overall balance. A season without claiming any trophies could potentially make the job even more challenging for the next boss.
Predicted Lineups
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
Prediction
This match is Real Madrid`s to lose. Despite their inconsistency throughout the season and the importance of the game, it feels highly unlikely that they will fail to secure all three points. However, as has often been the case with them this season, the game might not be a particularly thrilling spectacle, so expect a modest final score. Prediction: Getafe 0, Real Madrid 1.
Benedict Kingsley