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Luis García Plaza's men currently sit at fourteenth place in La Liga with four points to their name. Despite the daunting task ahead of them, Getafe will seek to upset Real Madrid on Sunday after defeating Osasuna 2-1 last week.
Style of Play:
Getafe typically lines-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation suited to a counter-attack game. While the team enjoys playing through-balls and is capable of creating scoring opportunities, Getafe lacks clinical finishers to capitalize on its chances (see Diego Castro's point-blank miss against Osasuna above). It's possible that Luis García Plaza will instruct his men to play on the counter and drop behind the ball while Real Madrid has possession. This strategy would add much-needed security to a shaky back line that struggles with defending set pieces and impeding their rivals from getting shots off.
Players to Watch:
Plaza employs a defensive double-pivot of made up of Míchel and Mehdi Lacen, both of whom are adept at tackling and intercepting rival passes. These defensive midfielders will try to cut off any build-up play by Ancelotti's men, but if Real Madrid's players can break past Míchel and Mehdi Lacen, they should be able to overcome Getafe's centre-backs.
While he may have his hands full defending Gareth Bale, Getafe's 24-year-old left back Sergio Escudero could pose a threat at both ends of the pitch. The defender spent two years in the Bundesliga alongside Raúl playing for Schalke 04 after talks with Real Madrid Castilla stalled. While Escudero is a skilled dribbler and can even convert the occasional free kick, he still lacks an element of maturity and discipline seeing as he has received 3 yellow cards in his last 3 games.
Former Madridista Pedro León is one of Getafe's best offensive players. The attacking midfielder will likely play along the right wing where he can either whip in a cross, deliver a through-ball, or cut inside to shoot on goal. While Pedro is not known for pace, Real Madrid's defenders should be alert to his tendency to shoot from outside the box and limit his space.
Pablo Sarabia, another ex-Madridista, has yet to solidify his place in Plaza's starting eleven. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder started Getafe's first two league games but has come off the bench in the last two fixtures. It will be interesting to see if Getafe's manager grants the midfielder a start against his former club on Sunday. Sarabia is an offensive player who typically plays in the hole and can either take shots from range or pick-out a teammate with an accurate cross. He struggles against physical defenders and finds it difficult to keep possession while under heavy pressure.
Coming off a brace against Osasuna is Venezuelan striker Miku. While Miku has mostly featured as an impact substitute this season, his impressive performance off the bench last week could convince Plaza to start him at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Miku's close ball control and eye for a pass inside the box could surprise Pepe and Sergio Ramos if either centre-back faces a lapse in concentration.
Gareth Bale is expected to make his home debut for Madrid after scoring in his first game in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Asier Illarramendi could also be handed his first start at the Bernabeu after coming off the substitutes' bench against Galatasaray.
Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao returned to training this week. The latter is likely to start as he will be the only natural left-back available, but Varane has had a lengthy lay off and is more likely to start from the bench, with Pepe starting again.
Mehdi Lacen is Getafe's only injury concern.
Luis Garcia's side got their first win of the season last week against bottom side Osasuna thanks to two goals from Miku, who spent last season on loan at Celtic.
Real Madrid completed the penultimate training session before Sunday’s match against Getafe in the Santiago Bernabéu stadium (19:00; C+ Liga and Gol T). Modric joined the group for a session where Carlo Ancelotti, who called up the reserve players Casado, Lucas, Quini and Tomás Mejías, once again focussed on the ball. Ramos trained in the gymnasium, while Casillas and Xabi Alonso continued their recovery processes. Marcelo and Coentrão joined the group for the first part of the session, before training alone later on.
Penultimate session of the week at the Real Madrid Football City. The Whites continued preparing for Sunday’s match against Getafe. Carlo Ancelotti divided the players into two working groups. The first group include the outfield players called up by the Italian, including Modric, who had not taken to the pitch in the previous session, and the Castilla players Casado, Lucas and Quini. The initial stretches and strength training were followed by ball work.
Diego López, Jesús and Tomás Mejías trained in the second group, doing special exercises with the goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi. Ramos trained in the gymnasium, while Casillas and Xabi Alonso continued their recovery processes. Marcelo and Coentrão joined the group for the first part of the session, then trained alone later on.
