Madrid need to beat a rejuvenated Getafe to stay in touch with Barca

MADRID: Real Madrid visit a rejuvenated Getafe on Monday in a Spanish capital derby looking to stay in touch with league leaders Barcelona.

Both Real Madrid and Getafe enter the match in fine form.

Since their 5-0 loss to Barcelona, Madrid has won three straight league games and are coming off coach Jose Mourinho’s most lopsided victory of his career– an 8-0 win over Levante in the Copa del Rey.

Getafe seem to have regrouped after losing striker Roberto Soldado and midfielder Pedro Leon, who is now with Madrid, during the offseason. they have set a club record in winning their last four matches to move within two points of fourth place.

Leon is a card-carrying member of Getafe and says he “always wants Getafe to win, except against Madrid.”

Getafe captain Manuel Del Moral believes his team’s opponents will struggle at Alfonso Perez Stadium despite Madrid winning 4-2 at the ground last season.

“Our stadium does not suit them well,” Del Moral said. “We can surprise them. I believe in our team and the weapons we have.”

Barcelona lead second-place Madrid by two points and play tomorrow at home against Levante, who have only won once away this season and arrive fresh off their thrashing by Madrid.

Barcelona have dropped their only four points in the league at Camp Nou stadium and are coming off a scoreless home draw against a defensive Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.

Previously, the Catalan club had won 10 straight and outscored their opponents 42-4.

Holland midfielder Ibrahim Afellay could make his debut for Barcelona after joining from PSV Eindhoven last week. Barcelona defender Maxwell described Afellay as fast, technically skilled and intelligent.

“He has things to contribute to the team,” the Brazilian left back said. “He has to accustom himself to a new system, but we are here to help him.”

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola will be without both starting center-backs. Captain Carles Puyol is out for 10 days with a muscle tear, and Gerard Pique is suspended.

Reserve defender Marc Bartra could fill one of the spots after impressing in Barcelona’s 8-0 win over Almeria and its Champions League victory over Rubin Kazan earlier this season.

Barcelona will have Gabriel Milito and Jeffren Suarez back from injury.