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Getafe
Saturday, 23rd May 2015,
Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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Real Madrid host Getafe in the last game of the season at the Bernabeu. The result will carry minimal importance for both the teams.
Real Madrid will look to put an end to this season as soon as possible after being ensured last week that they end the season without silverware. a Los Blancosa will be hoping to win the last game of the season against Getafe and end the season on a positive not. Even if the Whites fail to win the game, they are assured to finish second in the league but they will surely want a winning end to the season. Meanwhile, Getafe have nothing to lose as they travel to the capital to face Real Madrid. Getafe have averted the relegation threat and will be as eager as the hosts to put an end to this season.
Team News and Tactics
Real Madrid
The only man desperate for Real Madrid to win will be Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has a last opportunity to show what he is capable of in terms of bringing out the best for the Spanish side. The former Chelsea managera s job is on the line and though the game will hardly affect his future, Ancelotti will be determined to end the season on a winning note. He will play the best team available in his roster and will demand his players to be at their attacking best. Getafe will be an easy test for the Real Madrid attackers and they will be able to play their natural game without much pressure. The home side is sure to enjoy more possession and will try to score as many goals possible.
Ancelotti will be missing the services of Modric, Ramos, Khedira, Coentrao and Benzema on Saturday. It will not make much of a difference as the result carries absolutely no importance for Real Madrid. The home side manager might as well be thinking of resting some of his players and giving the youngsters a chance. Chicharito will start the game alongside Ronaldo and Bale and the Mexican might be donning the all-white kit for the last time in his career. Casillas will surely start the game between the sticks and this might well be the legendary keepera s final game at the Bernabeu. Ancelotti will be watching the game from the stands as the Italian will serve the second of a two-match touchline ban.
Probable Line-Up (4-3-3): Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; James, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Chicharito, Ronaldo;
Getafe
With only just one game to go, Getafe have managed to avoid relegation despite being only 5 points clear of the last three. The away side will be looking forward to end their season on Saturday and start planning ahead for next season. A defeat will keep them in the league but only two points off the drop and that might not be motivation enough for Franco Martina s side to even try and avoid defeat at the Bernabeu. The away side will be relaxed and allow the Real Madrid attackers most of the possession. They will also allow the home side a lot of space and it is highly unlikely that Getafe will try to score many goals.
The away side will be without Alvaro Vazquez, who is out through injury, and Roberto Lago, who will miss the game through suspension.
Probable Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Vigaray, Alexis, Naldo, Escudero; Lacen, Rodriguez; Hinestroza, Castro, Leon; Diawara;
Player to watch out for
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
After serving the club for his entire career, Iker Casillas might be forced out the exit door in the most disgraceful ways. At 34-years of age, the Real Madrid captain has managed to rub the fana s the wrong way and he is about to be replaced by a younger and more promising talent. The Spaniard might well be playing his last game at the stadium where he attained his legendary status. All eyes are bound to be on Casillas on Saturday which might just be the last time he shows at the Bernabeu wearing the all-white kit.
Prediction
Real Madrid 3-0 Getafe
We can expect an easy victory for Real Madrid as Getafe, who are winless in the last 7 games, are not under the threat of relegation. The home side is sure to dominate the game and the players will be enjoying a free game to exhibit their skills and abilities.