Getafe unlikely to give Real Madrid a Ruud awakening tonight

European Leagues / Dan Fitch / 24 February 2008 / Leave a Comment

Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch talks us through the betting as La Liga leaders Real Madrid play hosts to Getafe

You've just won 7-0, you're eight points clear at the top of the league and you've got the chance to make that gap eleven points. What could possibly go wrong?

Football can go wrong, that's what. The irrefutable truth about the sport, which always has us coming back for more, is that anything can happen. Even to Real Madrid.

Things had started so brightly for Madrid last weekend, when they took a sixth minute lead against Real Betis, through Royston Drenthe. They looked in the mood to repeat the form of their 7-0 win over Valladolid and could have added to their tally within the first half hour.

But then came the sucker punch, as relegation strugglers Betis rose from the floor to score two quick-fire goals to lead at half time. Madrid failed to get back in the game and indeed, could have lost by a bigger margin.

Bernd Schuster strangely claimed that he couldn't remember if he'd been angry with his players or not, but as amnesia is often the excuse when people go absolutely crazy and inflict physical harm on others, we can assume that he probably did.

The first in the queue for the hairdryer treatment may have been Real's left back Marcelo, who was responsible for both the conceded goals. At just 19 he looks totally out of his depth and is one of the many examples of South American players who make the big move abroad, before they are ready. His performances have been making Roberto Carlos' left back tenure seem like a period of defensive stability.

Barcelona made the most of Madrid's slip up by winning 2-1 at Real Zaragoza, despite barely deserving a draw. Now all the talk in Spain is about whether Madrid will wobble and let Barcelona back into a title race.

Real Madrid have the chance to get things back on track on Sunday in their game at home to Getafe. Real's home form has been faultless this season, winning all of their eleven games at the Bernabeu. This has papered up the cracks of their away form, which has been patchy. Luckily, Barcelona's away form has been even worse and no other team in Spain have been consistent enough to mount a challenge.

Madrid are [1.39] to retain their title, with Barcelona [3.5]. Whilst there's not much value in backing Real at that price, I expect them to take La Liga again. Real are not a great team but they're solid enough (when Heinze is playing instead of Marcelo), whilst Barca have morphed from a team, into a collection of disparate superstars.

Sunday's match will mark a return to the Bernabeu for the Getafe coach Michael Laudrup, who remains a popular figure at Madrid. Despite having spent only two seasons playing for Real, he has been voted their twelfth greatest player of all time (though Real fans do tend to love anyone who leaves Barcelona for them).

Getafe are a respectable thirteenth in La Liga and should avoid a relegation struggle. They were of course coached by Schuster last season, who guided Getafe to a ninth placed finish and a Copa del Rey final. The cup final against Sevilla brought a UEFA Cup spot and Laudrup's men are well placed to gain a place in the last sixteen in Europe's secondary competition.

Having drawn the away leg 1-1, Getafe take on AEK Athens on Thursday night and should progress. However, this match should mean that Madrid are much fresher, having played their Champions League game on Tuesdsay.

Madrid again surrendered a lead, to lose 2-1 to Roma, but with an away goal I'd back them to go through to the last eight. I fear that this midweek defeat spells bad news for Getafe. Playing Real Madrid after they've lost one game is daunting, but two defeats on the bounce should make them Incredible Hulk-level angry.

Real are [1.42], with Getafe [10.5] and the draw [4.6]. I can't see past a Real win, but as Getafe are a competitive side, the [2.06] for under 2.5 goals is a consideration.