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Los Blancos kept hold of the top spot in La Liga standings last weekend thanks to a controversial 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon.
In that match, Rafael Van der Vaart’s handball incident wasn’t the only thing that created noise…
What came under the spotlight the most was Real Madrid’s poor performance on the night.
With only 11 matches remaining for the 2009/2010 La Liga season to finish and as things currently stand, the hunt for the title looks pretty much like a two-horse race.
Despite seating on top of the table with 68 points - 18 above third placed Valencia, Real Madrid seem to feel the pressure caused by their rivals, Barcelona.
The Catalans also count 68 points and they only come behind the Spanish giants because of the goal difference rule.
While Barcelona look strong with playmaker Lionel Messi leading their way in Europe like domestically, Real Madrid are experiencing a fragile end to their campaign.
La Liga title has become their sole option for gaining silverware this season and Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart underlined the team’s aspirations, saying:
“We are eying La Liga title and we want to do whatever it takes to win it. We need to see how Barcelona respond… but we are very confident about our chances.”
Either way, performing poorly like they did will certainly come as an obstacle to their title ambitions.
Real Madrid’s defense allowed Sporting Gijon’s attackers to break clear through on goal at times and at the other end of the pitch, Los Blancos weren’t that effective on the offensive.
Getafe could trouble Real Madrid
Getafe might cause more problems to Real Madrid than Sporting Gijon did.
The last time they played against the Spanish giants at home, they ran away with a 3-1 victory that could well be repeated on Thursday.
Getafe are an attacking side and they might shock Real Madrid at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium again if they can capitalize on their defensive lapses.
The Azulones held Athletic Bilbao to a 2-2 draw last weekend thanks to Pedro Leon’s 86th minute equalizer.
That point kept them 8th in La Liga standings and just 5 points away from reaching the Europa League zone.
It will be interesting to see how they’ll apply their technical football against Real Madrid on Thursday evening.
Ahead of the clash, Getafe's Coach Michel stated:
"Besides what we bring as a modest team like concentration and hope, it takes many things [to win].
"It takes skill at the highest level as well as a game plan to prevent Real Madrid from doing things their way. If we can perform at a good level of difficulty, we can stop Madrid."
They might find more confidence based on their home statistics this season. Getafe have lost only thrice at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum and Valencia are among the 8 teams that suffered defeat on that soil.
Who knows if Real Madrid won’t fall in this category?
Getafe and Real Madrid Team News
Ex-Madrid player Miguel Torres and Cata Diaz will not feature in defense for Getafe as the pair has been confirmed absent. Meanwhile, Mario and Belenguer’s participation in the match against Real Madrid remains doubtful.
In midfield, Casquero, Boateng, Pedro Leon, Parejo, and Del Moral are expected to start with Miku upfront instead of the injured Soldado.
For Real Madrid, Lassana Diarra and Marcelo are two names that will not be included in Manuel Pellegrini’s roaster.
The French man pulled out of training this week after suffer due to gastroenteritis. Brazil’s Marcelo though is in his homeland for personal matters.
As at now, it is still it unclear whether Karim Benzema or Kaka will return for Real Madrid as they are still working on regaining fitness.
Veteran midfielder Guti has also been reported as doubtful to play against Getafe.
Getafe’s last five results in La Liga:
Feb. 22: Valencia 2-1 Getafe
Feb. 27: Getafe 0-2 Real Zaragoza
Mar. 07: Osasuna 0-0 Getafe
Mar. 13: Getafe 3-0 Real Mallorca
Mar. 20: Bilbao 2-2 Getafe
Real Madrid’s last five results in La Liga:
Feb. 21: Real Madrid 6-2 Villarreal
Feb. 27: Tenerife 1-5 Real Madrid
Mar. 06: Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla
Mar. 14: Valladolid 1-4 Real Madrid
Mar. 20: Real Madrid 3-1 Sporting Gijon
La Liga’s top 5 standings ahead of Day 28
Real Madrid – 68 points, +52
Barcelona – 68 points, +50
Valencia – 50 points, +15
Real Mallorca – 46 points, +13
Sevilla – 44 points, +8
