The 2018/19 La Liga season is finally underway after a long summer away. Sunday sees the last season’s Champions League winners play their first league game, welcoming Getafe to the Bernabeu.

STATS

• A poor domestic season for Real Madrid ended with them coming 3^rd last time out, a position they certainly aren’t used to in the Spanish top-flight. In the five friendlies they played, they were victorious in four of them, only losing to Manchester United. However, their first competitive match didn’t end well as they were beaten 4-2 by Atletico after extra-time in the UEFA Super Cup.
• Getafe enjoyed a good league campaign last term as they finished 8^th, just outside the European places. They didn’t lose any of their pre-season fixtures, winning four and drawing two. Each of the last three ended goalless, but in one of those, against Sporting Gijon, they managed to earn a win by beating them in a penalty shootout.
• Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer departure, one of Real Madrid’s attackers must step up. After a strong pre-season, it looks as though Gareth Bale is ready to do just that alongside Karim Benzema.
• Angel Rodriguez’ goals were vital for Getafe last season and with 13, he’ll be hoping to reach a similar amount this term.

HEAD TO HEAD

Real Madrid’s recent record against Getafe is completely faultless as they have won each of the last nine meetings, dating back to January 2013. Getafe’s last win against Los Blancos came almost exactly six years ago to the day when they came from behind to win 2-1. You have to go even further back to find their last victory at the Bernabeu which was a 1-0 win back in 2008. The most recent meeting between the sides came back in March where Madrid were victorious, Bale and Ronaldo (2) scored in a 3-1 win.

REAL MADRID NEWS

The hosts will be desperate to bounce back and challenge for the title this season and they have the perfect chance. As Casemiro returned to training this week, they have no injury worries.

Latest matches: Real Madrid

15.08.2018	UEFA	Real Madrid	Atletico Madrid	2:4	L
11.08.2018	Club	Real Madrid	AC Milan	3:1	W
08.08.2018	Inte	Real Madrid	AS Roma	2:1	W
04.08.2018	Inte	Real Madrid	Juventus Turin	3:1	W
01.08.2018	Inte	Manchester United	Real Madrid	2:1	L

GETAFE NEWS

Getafe have been handed one of the toughest possible starts but any points would be a huge confidence booster. They are without Djené Dakonam, Mauro Arambarri and Markel Bergara for the trip to the capital.

Latest matches: Getafe CF

11.08.2018	Club	Getafe CF	Girona FC	3:3	D
08.08.2018	Club	Getafe CF	Sporting Gijon	0:0	D
03.08.2018	Club	Boavista FC	Getafe CF	3:4	W
19.05.2018	LaLi	Malaga CF	Getafe CF	0:1	W
12.05.2018	LaLi	Getafe CF	Atletico Madrid	0:1	L

SUMMARY

It’s hard to imagine anything other than a convincing Real Madrid win in the season opener and it might be worth backing a home win with -1 handicap. The only things that may deny them the three points in the change in manager, the loss of Ronaldo and the 120 minutes they played against Atletico. It wouldn’t be a shock for the visitors to score but they won’t be expecting to take any points.