Analysis
Getafe have not tasted victory in La Liga for a long time now. Their last league win dates from December 1, 2012. It would take something special for the Azulones to put an end to this six-match winless run in the Spanish Primera Division and the Santiago Bernabeu is not an easy venue.
However, champions Real Madrid will remember that Getafe stunned them 2-1 when both sides met in the first leg of this fixture back in August. For Jose Mourinho, a repeat of that result on Sunday might seem equal to tying a rope around the neck.
The Portuguese manager is under serious scrutiny from the media and a portion of angered Madridistas. Reports from Marca also claim that some Real Madrid players are revolting against the ‘Only One’.
While these rumours continue to stain the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu, the reality is that Los Blancos are 15 points away from Barcelona whom they will meet next week with Spanish Copa del Rey final tickets at stake.
At this point, the Spanish La Liga title seems lost for the Spanish giants. Mourinho may ask his players to take each league game as nothing more than a rehearsal for challenges that lie ahead in cup competitions – namely the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid’s most recent La Liga match stats (5-0 win against Valencia)
Ball possession: 43 per cent; Corners: 5; Shots on target: 7; Shots wide: 5; Fouls: 10; Offsides: 4
Getafe’s most recent La Liga match stats (1-1 draw against Sevilla)
Ball possession: 38 per cent; Corners: 3; Shots on target: 3; Shots wide: 5; Fouls: 9; Offsides: 1
Real Madrid vs Getafe – Match officials
Referee: Jose Gonzalez
Assistants: Jose Sanchez; Jorge Canelo
Fourth official: Juan Lopez
Head-to-head – Last three matches
September 10, 2011: Real Madrid 4-2 Getafe
February 4, 2012: Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
August 26, 2012: Getafe 2-1 Real Madrid
Prediction
Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe
