Getafe vs Real Madrid: Three key battles to keep an eye on | OneFootball

Following a win over Athletic Club with the barest of margins, Real Madrid are set to return to La Liga action tonight as they face their cross-town rivals, Getafe.

This will be another crucial fixture for the Merengues to win as Barcelona won their match against RCD Mallorca last night, and are once again 7 points ahead of Los Blancos on the league table. Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti will also be looking ahead to a win in this game to go into the Copa del Rey final on Saturday with good form.

However, getting a win against this Getafe side will not really be easy, as they are one of the best defensive sides in this league campaign.

Real Madrid will also not have their main striker, Kylian Mbappe, available for this match, but the Merengues still have enough star power in their ranks to get a result from this match.

In particular, the following three key battles can prove to be decisive for this game:

Vinicius Junior vs Djene

As was the case in the last match against Athletic Club, Vinicius Junior will once again be looking to lead the attacking line for his team. Despite putting the ball into the back of the net, the Brazilian was unable to get his name on the scoresheet as that goal was ruled out for Endrick being in an offside position and interfering with play.

Thus, Vinicius will be particularly keen to get a goal in this game. Furthermore, he will also be creating all kinds of danger on the left wing, as he did in the last match.

Thus, it will not really be an easy game for the Getafe defender Djene, who is most likely to be fielded on the left wing for this match. He will be counting on the tight structure of his team to help him against a threat as big as the Samba star, but his experience can still help him keep Vinicius in control on his own.

Federico Valverde vs Luis Milla

Federico Valverde was once again the difference-maker for his side as he scored the only goal of the match against Athletic Club in the very last minutes of the game to ensure Real Madrid remained in contention for the league title.

The Uruguayan international’s immense stamina, ball-carrying skills, and ability to track back will be vital for Carlo Ancelotti, while he can also once again break the deadlock with his long, powerful shots against a side that tends to sit back in a tight defensive structure.

Valverde will once again have to put in an all-round performance, as in addition to going on the attack, he will also have to deal with Luis Milla, who has one of the most impressive midfielders for Getafe this season, and according to Sofascore statistics, have scored 1 goal and provided 4 assists so far.

Furthermore, with his 5.0 ball recoveries and 1.8 tackles on average in each game, it will not really be easy for Valverde to go on the offensive and generate a lot of danger for his side.

Borja Mayoral vs Raul Asencio

As has so often been the case, a former Real Madrid player will once again be looking to inflict some damage on his former side. This time, it will be the striker Borja Mayoral who hosts the Merengues with Getafe, and the striker will be keen to showcase his talents tonight.

The Spaniard is not coming into this game in the best of form, and has only been able to score 4 goals and provide 1 assist so far this season. But form usually does not mean a lot in such games.

Thus, the young defender Raul Asencio will have to keep him under control at all times to ensure he does not make any mischief in this match. Asencio is likely to start in his game, while Rudiger can be rested ahead of the Copa del Rey final, and his characteristic grit and passion can come handy in his battle with Mayoral tonight.