Real Madrid host Getafe in an important fixture in La Liga's title race, with three points giving Zinadine Zidane's side a comfortable four point advantage on Barcelona with only five games left to play.

Since returning to action in June, Madrid have won all five of their league games which saw them leapfrog Barcelona at the top of the table. 

However, Getafe have only managed one win since returning, cruising to a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad in their most recent game - managing three draws and only one loss on their return.

Key Battles

Since returning to action, Karim Benzema has proved to be a valued piece to the Madrid puzzle, the Frenchman has scored three goals and assisted one in his last four appearances. Experienced defenders Xabier Etxeita and Djene Dakonam will be looking to nullify the threat of Benzema firing on all cylinders. 

Previous Meetings

Last time the two sides met in January, Zidane's side emerged the victors in a 3-0 win away from home.

David Soria opened the scoring with an own goal to put Madrid ahead as he failed to collect a cross from Ferland Mendy

Toni Kroos delivered a cross which Raphaël Varane headed home on the 53rd minute to double the visitors lead. 

Luka Modrić piled more misery onto Getafe in the 96th minute after Federico Valverde's launched a late counter attack, which Modrić ended as he slotted home into an open goal with ease. 

Madrid are unbeaten in their previous four meetings with Getafe, winning four of those encounters and drawing one. 

Team News

In positive news for Madrid, Mendy and Modrić are available for selection after serving suspensions. Lucas Vazquez and Luka Jovic are two expected to miss the game through injury, Nacho may well be in for contention as he edges closer to fitness. 

José Bordalás' side managed to come through their clash against Real Sociedad without any injuries ahead of tonight's big game.

Predicted Line-ups

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Hazard, Benzema, Vinícius (4-3-3).

Getafe XI: Soria; Suarez, Etxeita, Djene, Olivera; Nyom, Maksimovic, Arambarri, Cucurella; Duro, Mata (4-4-2).

Managers Thoughts

Zidane is wary of his opposition, but insists his side will give his all in the race for the title:

"I am happy and proud of the players, because what they do is not easy. But we have six finals left and we must give the maximum. We're fine, but this doesn't mean anything.

"You don't know what will happen tomorrow. If we win it will not be definitive. We will not change. We just have to continue with our energy, which is good. Getafe is going to make it very complicated for us but we are going to try to win".

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