As Real Madrid prepare to face Getafe in a crucial midweek La Liga clash on Wednesday evening, Carlo Ancelotti’s side know there’s no room left for error. Clinging to a narrow thread in the title race, Los Blancos are four points behind league leaders Barcelona with just six matches remaining. Anything less than victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez could effectively end their domestic hopes.
Last-Gasp Heroics Keep Title Dream Alive
Real Madrid’s dramatic 2–1 win over Athletic Club at the weekend — courtesy of Federico Valverde’s 98th-minute winner — was not only a lifeline but a reminder of their fighting spirit. With Barcelona showing no signs of slipping up, Ancelotti’s men must keep pace, and that means navigating a tricky away fixture against 12th-placed Getafe.
Injury Woes and Tactical Dilemmas
Madrid’s frontline looks far from settled. With Kylian Mbappé still sidelined due to an ankle injury, the pressure has fallen heavily on Vinícius Jr., who remains the primary attacking outlet. Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Rodrygo has endured a torrid run of form — failing to find the net in La Liga since mid-January, a drought now stretching over 780 minutes.
The question now is whether Ancelotti will finally take Rodrygo out of the firing line. Endrick, who impressed in Madrid’s recent 4-4-2 diamond setup, could be handed a start alongside Vinícius. Alternatively, the manager might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Arda Güler or Brahim Díaz offering width from the right.
In defence, Madrid remain without key players. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are long-term absentees with ACL injuries, while Ferland Mendy’s hamstring issue means Eduardo Camavinga is expected to continue at left-back. Federico Valverde may again be forced to fill in at right-back, with Lucas Vázquez failing to convince in recent outings.
Predicted Real Madrid Line-up (4-4-2 diamond)
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Camavinga; Modrić, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Brahim Díaz; Endrick, Vinícius Jr.
Injured: Mbappé (ankle), Mendy (hamstring), Carvajal (ACL), Militão (ACL)
Suspended: None
Getafe Look to Frustrate Title Contenders
Getafe, sitting mid-table, have little to play for in terms of silverware, but pride and home advantage will give them plenty of motivation. The hosts are largely free of injury concerns, with only Allan Nyom sidelined due to a muscle problem. However, Christian Uche will miss the match through suspension after a red card in their 1–0 defeat to Espanyol.
Diego Rico is set to return at left-back after serving his own one-match suspension, and Juan Bernat could feature from the start in midfield.
Predicted Getafe Line-up (4-4-2)
Soria; Iglesias, Duarte, Alderete, Rico; Milla, Terrats, Arambarri, Bernat; Mayoral, Juanmi
Injured: Nyom (muscle)
Suspended: Uche (red card)
What’s at Stake
While Getafe may be safe from relegation and too far from European contention, their role as spoilers could be pivotal in shaping the title race. For Real Madrid, anything short of three points would likely render their pursuit of Barcelona futile — especially with a Copa del Rey final looming at the end of the month.
As Ancelotti weighs up whether to persist with Rodrygo or hand an opportunity to the youthful Endrick or versatile Güler, Madrid fans will be hoping for not just a win, but a spark — something to reignite their stuttering form and keep the dream alive.
How to Watch: Broadcast Information
| Region | Date | Time (Local) | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Wed, 23 Apr | 8:30 PM BST | Premier Sports 1, ITV4 | Premier Player, ITVX, LaLigaTV |
| USA | Wed, 23 Apr | 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT | ESPN2, ESPN Deportes | ESPN+, Fubo USA |
| Canada | Wed, 23 Apr | 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT | TSN1 | TSN+ |
| Australia | Thu, 24 Apr | 7:30 AM AEST | beIN Sports 3 | beIN Sports Connect |