Real Madrid vs. Getafe: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Madrid—Real Madrid return to La Liga action under mounting pressure on Monday night when neighbors Getafe visit the Santiago Bernabéu, knowing anything short of victory could see Carlo Ancelotti’s side drift four points behind leaders Barcelona with the title race tightening.

Los Blancos surrendered first place last weekend after suffering their first domestic defeat of the Álvaro Arbeloa era, a 1-0 setback at Osasuna. The midweek response was encouraging: a hard-fought 3-1 win over Benfica secured passage to the Champions League round of 16 and, crucially, restored belief inside the dressing room.

Yet the injury list remains daunting. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and teenage centre-back Dean Huijsen are still unavailable, while Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos and academy graduate Raúl Asencio have been ruled out as well. In their absence, Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde and the French midfield pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have rediscovered top gear and are expected to start. Gonzalo García, 20, will be asked to lead the line in a makeshift 4-4-2 that could also feature summer arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Fran Carreras on the opposite flank. Veteran duo Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba will anchor the defense ahead of Thibaut Courtois.

Getafe arrive in the Spanish capital just five points above the drop zone and without a league triumph since December. José Bordalás’ men were beaten 1-0 by Sevilla last time out and will be without suspended captain Djené Dakonam, while injuries sideline Davinchi, Abdelkabir Abqar and top scorer Abu Kamara. Bordalás is unlikely to abandon his trademark 5-3-2 low block, with Diego Rico slotting in for Djené. Midfield metronomes Luis Milla and Mauro Arambarri will attempt to disrupt Madrid’s rhythm, and Uruguayan striker Martín Satriano will partner Luis Vázquez up front. Former Real Madrid academy graduate Borja Mayoral is in line for a cameo after two months out with a knee problem.

Prediction: Madrid’s patched-up lineup still boasts too much individual quality for a Getafe side that has scored only twice in its last six league outings. Expect a patient, at times laborious, home win that keeps the title chase alive.

Real Madrid predicted XI (4-4-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Alaba, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; García, Vinicius Jr.

Getafe predicted XI (5-3-2): Soria; Femenía, Duarte, Romero, Rico, Iglesias; Martín, Milla, Arambarri; Vázquez, Satriano.