Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Getafe

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MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club Bilbao at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 22, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

CF Karim Benzema

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has made 23 goal contributions in 23 appearances across all competitions this season, including 12 goals in 17 appearances. Toni Kroos leads the club in key passes per game, but Benzema isn’t far behind Kroos’ mark of 2.4 with 2.1 key passes of his own.

But on Saturday against Getafe, Benzema’s goal scoring will matter most. Only Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Madrid have surrendered fewer goals than Getafe’s 17, who have played more games than they’ve allowed goals.

Los Blancos didn’t score against either Bilbao or Atleti. And against Sevilla, the other team with 17 goals allowed this season, they needed a header from Benzema to break the deadlock.

So yeah, Benzema will once again be the biggest key to victory for Real.

RB Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal was the unsung hero of El Clasico, completely taking Antoine Griezmann out of the game on the left side of FC Barcelona’s attack. He’ll draw a much easier assignment on Saturday against Getafe.

Although Carvajal’s been a little bit inconsistent this season, he remains one of the world’s absolute best right backs. Against Getafe, his work in the attack will be crucial. Zinedine Zidane will likely ask Carvajal to push high up the pitch and whip in crosses for Benzema in an effort to break the tie.

Carvajal is tied with Luka Modric for the second most assists on Real Madrid in La Liga this season, so expect the capable dribbler and accurate passer to have a major say on this game.

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