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Real Madrid
Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Madrid
Sunday, 18th January, 10:30 GMT
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After being eliminated from the Copa Del Rey by local rivals Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid gear up to fight in another derby as they travel to Getafe on Sunday. Real Madrid have only won one game so far in 2015, the win came against Espanyol last weekend. After their 22-match winning streak came to an end against Valencia, Real Madrid have been struggling to get back to winning ways. The Whites lost the first leg of the Copa Del Rey roud-of-16 against Atletico and failed to make an impact in the return leg as they drew 2-2. Losing 4-2 on aggregate, Real have failed to reclaim the Copa Del Rey and are now only vying for La Liga and Champions League title. A visit to Getafe gives Los Blancos the opportunity to get back to winning ways and prove their doubters wrong. However, it will not be an easy task for the league leaders as their opponent on Sunday have given Barcelona and Atletico a tough time this season.
Getafe secured a win against Almeria to progress to the next round of the Copa Del Rey. The win will definitely boost the morale of the players. However, Getafea s form in the league is concerning as the cluba s winless streak has reached eight games now. Since winning two of their first three home games, Getafe have failed to secure a win in six outings at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. However, Getafe are certainly capable of disappointing Real. Getafe, despite playing with 10 men in the second half, nearly denied Atletico 3 points when they lost 1-0 courtesy a 40th minute goal from Mandzukic. Barcelona, on the other hand, failed to score when they visited Getafe and Getafe managed to gain a point in the 0-0 draw at the Coliseum in December.
Team news and tactics
Getafe
Quique Sanchez Flores returns to Spanish football after nearly four years away. The manager has recently taken up the job at Getafe and will be keen to claim his first victory in the league. However, Getafe’s home form is a bit concerning. Getafe are without a win in six home matches now. The positive is that the home side is capable of defending well and have stepped up their performance levels when they face the big teams. Getafe only allowed one goal playing against Barcelona and Atletico. While Atletico won the game 1-0, Barcelona were forced to be content with just a point as they drew 0-0. Getafe will defend well against a star-studded Real Madrid attack. They will look to strike on the counter and prefer to spend most of the game-time sitting back and defending.
Coach Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to recall the squad that lost against Eibar last weekend. Striker Alvaro Vazquez, who came off the bench to net the winner in the midweek Copa Del Rey tie, should start while winger Pedro Leon will play against his former club.
Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Codina; Juan Valera, Alexis, Roberto Lago, Naldo; Velazquez, Juan Rodriguez, Pedro Leon, Hinestroza; Sammir, Alvaro Vazquez;
Carlo Ancelotti’s side started 2015 on a losing note. However, now is the time for Real Madrid to step on the gas and get back to winning ways. After being eliminated from the Copa Del Rey, Real have to only focus on La Liga and the Champions League. Real Madrid will want to win the game and strengthen their position at the top in the league. Ancelotti will field a strong team that will go all guns blazing in attack. However, Los Blancos might have to work hard to get past the Getafe defence which only let in a goal between Atletico and Barcelona. With Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema upfront it might not be a problem for Real Madrid to pile up the goals.
Luka Modric is still recovering from his injury and is not expected to return till February. Meanwhile Pepe will sit out this one having bruised his ribs in the midweek tie against Atletico Madrid. Varane is expected to start the game alongside Ramos. Marcelo will start the game in the left-back position while Coentrao serves his suspension for the red card he received against Espanyol. Isco, who has played every minute in 2015 might be rested and Khedira might start the game ahead of the Spaniard.
Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Khedira, James; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Prediction
Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid
While Getafe are good when it comes to stopping the big clubs from having a goal fiesta, Real Madrid boast of an attack that will make some of the worlda s best defenders go weak in the knees. Having failed to overcome Atletico in the Copa Del Rey, Real Madrid will be highly motivated to get this victory in the bag.