Real Madrid`s push to remain in the La Liga title contention continues this Wednesday as they visit Getafe, aiming to stay close to Barcelona in the final stages of the season. This game is part of a pivotal period for Real Madrid, potentially defining their season and possibly marking the conclusion of an era. Their recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal ended one trophy chase and has raised questions about whether Los Blancos will secure any silverware this season. This turn of events is surprising given the high expectations at the start of the campaign, although the inconsistent results over the past eight months have validated those concerns.
Sunday`s 1-0 win against Athletic Club, though not perfect, was important in re-establishing Real Madrid`s credentials as a contender for both the La Liga championship and the Copa del Rey. This result meant Los Blancos entered Matchday 33 within touching distance of Barcelona, trailing by just three points. Staying in the title race for at least a few more days is crucial, particularly in anticipation of the Copa del Rey final on Saturday against Barcelona, where both teams will have their first opportunity to claim major silverware this season.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 23 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Coliseum — Getafe, Spain
- TV: ESPN2 | Stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Getafe +380; Draw +260; Real Madrid -145
Storylines
Getafe: Sitting 12th, eight points clear of the relegation zone with six matches remaining, 12th-place Getafe are likely to spend the rest of the season without significant pressure, meaning this game holds little on the line for them. Adding to their challenges, Allan Nyom, Diego Rico, and Christantus Uche will miss the match, and Borja Mayoral might not be ready to play the full 90 minutes. Facing Real Madrid during a crucial period for them, Getafe manager Jose Bordalas admitted the odds might not be in his side`s favor. “I always say it`s never a good time to face Real Madrid,” he stated in his pre-match press conference. “They are one of the best teams in the world and are still competing in two competitions. They haven`t stopped winning titles, with one of the best squads in the world. It`s never easy; we acknowledge the difficulties. The difference is huge in everything.”
Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti`s team comes into this game as the clear favorites and can get away with another less-than-perfect performance as long as they secure all three points, although they will be without Kylian Mbappe due to a minor injury. While a matchup between a title-chasing second-place team and a 12th-place side seems ordinary, this game carries significant weight beyond the title race. It is increasingly likely that Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid before next season, with some talk suggesting he might even depart as early as this weekend after the Copa del Rey final. Regardless, Wednesday`s match is expected to be one of Ancelotti`s final games at the club, and this concluding phase of the season could set the tone for his successor. The incoming manager already faces a significant challenge with a squad that, despite its stars, lacks balance, and the potential for a trophyless season could make the next boss`s job even more difficult.
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. Even considering their season-long inconsistency and the stakes involved, it feels highly unlikely that they won`t secure all three points. However, as has often been the case with them this season, it may not be a particularly exciting game, so anticipate a modest scoreline. Prediction: Getafe 0, Real Madrid 1
