Real Madrid: 3 advantages to watch against Getafe

Real Madrid can’t overlook Getafe, even if they are the favorites.

Sunday’s 1-0 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium was a reminder to Real Madrid that no games in the remainder of the La Liga calendar will be easy. On Thursday, Los Blancos will face one of the toughest teams on their schedule in Getafe, who are still in the race for a Champions League spot despite their underdog status.

Well-coached and rugged defensively, Getafe gave Real a scare earlier this year. Los Blancos eventually won 3-0, but they needed some colossal first-half saves from Thibaut Courtois to keep them in the game.

That said, Real Madrid have three advantages that should carry the day against Getafe.

Fede Valverde and Casemiro in midfield

Getafe are known for their tough defensive style, as David Soria is tied with Jan Oblak in terms of clean sheets behind Thibaut Courtois in the leaderboard. Their physical midfield is a key to their success, too, with Nemanja Maksimovic and Mauro Arambarri being standouts in the middle of the park this season.

Fede Valverde and Casemiro, however, can beat anyone in the physicality department and are two of the best midfielders in La Liga. Casemiro has been Real’s MVP this season and picked up yet another Man of the Match performance in Sunday’s tough victory over Espanyol.

Meanwhile, Valverde bossed Getafe in 19 minutes as a substitute in their last meeting and could be a difference-maker if he starts on Thursday.