Real Madrid must match Getafe’s physicality
Getafe will pose little attacking threat to Real Madrid. That doesn’t mean Los Blancos can fall asleep, though, as Jaime Mata and Carles Alena are capable of punishing teams that make mistakes. Marc Cucurella is a true standout player for Jose Bordalas’ side as well.
But the reality is that this game will be decided by how Real match Getafe’s physicality and grind out a result on the road. Getafe are not a good team. They are currently in 15th, behind Valencia and Osasuna. But they are not a team that anyone in La Liga wants to face, precisely because they are so punishing defensively.
Real Madrid are already coming into this game hobbled and tired after three huge matches. They got the results they needed, but they must reach down and find something extra with their backup players. The likes of Marcelo, Alvaro Odriozola, and Isco, assuming they all start, need to be ready to fight for every inch of grass on the pitch. And the same goes for Mariano Diaz if he starts.
Unproven players may be on the pitch for Real. They can make up for their errors, endear themselves to the fans, and lead the way to an important victory simply by outworking their opponents and not being afraid to get in the battles with Getafe. In fact, they’ll have to do this.