Can a Weakened Real Madrid Win Their La Liga Opener?

Real Madrid vs Getafe

It would be no exaggeration if I said that I am more than excited for the start of the new La Liga season!

Real Madrid are in a really interesting situation, but I don’t think the faithful supporters of Los Blancos are enjoying the uncertainty surrounding their squad one bit. The exodus of their shining star has put the proud club in an unfamiliar position that they have not experienced for the longest time. While they still have plenty of top-quality attacking options, their overall strength as a club has taken plenty of hits.

They have a chance of calming the nerves of their supporters when they face a strong mid-table club in Getafe. They performed well enough last season that they can pose a challenge to the wounded Galacticos, but the La Liga 2018 odds definitely still favours the defending champions of Europe.

However, do they still have the form and confidence of the champions that won the Champions League over an impressive Liverpool squad?

Talking Points

Real Madrid will go all out to prove they deserve to still be La Liga 2018 odds favourites — Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui shouts instructions to his squad during their UEFA Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid to join Juventus was a definite shocker for everyone in the footballing world. He was Real Madrid. He carried the confidence of the club. He was the very embodiment of the bravado Los Blancos have whenever they face Spanish or European competition. His departure took away from the club more than just a capable attacker.

If their UEFA Super Cup loss to Atletico Madrid is an indication of the type of La Liga 2018 highlights we can expect from Real Madrid, then the fans have more than every right to be afraid for their squad. They weren’t able to do anything with their slight lead in possession. During that game, Diego Costa looked every bit as dangerous as Ronaldo during Atletico’s fantastic comeback.

Their lack of offensive ability isn’t the only thing that Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has to sort out. Luka Modric is the latest disgruntled Real Madrid player that is reportedly wanting out of the La Liga giants to join Internazionale in Italy.

Real Madrid have already approached FIFA to seek disciplinary action against the Serie A club, but they should definitely focus on convincing the 2018 World Cup Golden Ball winner to stay in Madrid and play the rest of his peak years as a member of Real Madrid.

However, it wasn’t like everything is always southbound for El Blancos. One positive thing fans can get out of the game was Gareth Bale’s effectiveness from the wings. Now that Ronaldo’s not there to hog all of the attention, he showed just how potent his attacks and passing from down the wings really are.

With the coming game, we can also expect the Welshman’s role in the Real Madrid strategy to expand moving forward. Lopetegui expects Bale to get better as he gets used to the role of being the torchbearer of the offence at the Santiago Bernabeu. He, Modric (if he stays), Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos will be the pillars that will carry the team into the season.

Meanwhile, Getafe will be looking to at least spoil the opening campaign of their opponents by pulling off a rather impossible draw. Getafe fans are probably seething from the departure of Ayoub Abou for Castilla, Real Madrid’s B team. the 20-year-old was supposed to be a huge part of Pepe Bordalas’ plans moving forward.

However, the club has made key reinforcements to their spine. The additions of Nemanja Maksimovic, Ignasi Miquel, and David Soria provides extra depth for the Azulones and give them a better chance of pulling off a draw.

The odds are still in favour of Real Madrid, however. Bordalas would have to count on the backline not collapsing and on Angel and Jorge Molina scoring goals if they have any shot at winning the game.

History

Getafe are determined to turn La Liga 2018 odds around and upset Real Madrid — Getafe players steal the ball from Real Madrid’s Isco during a La Liga match in March 2018

These two clubs don’t have a lot of history to go back to, but Real Madrid obviously have the lead on the head-to-heads.

Of the 26 games the two clubs have shared, Real Madrid easily won 19 of those. Getafe have done well in overcoming the quality gap in winning five and drawing two.

The goals are also lopsided in favour of Los Blancos: Real Madrid have rattled Getafe’s goals again and again with their 65 successful strikes. Getafe’s 27 successful goals pale in comparison.

Betting Tip

	Real Madrid vs Getafe	Real Madrid -1.75 @ 1.80
	August 20, 04:15 (GMT+8)

There is no reason for punters to not put their money on Real Madrid hitting the ground running and cruising past Getafe for the victory. They just have too much quality players on their side for them to stumble and trip here.

However, Getafe have been able to at least score one goal in their last five encounters. I wouldn’t be surprised if they would be able to score here again. The -1.75 handicap is a perfect showcase of calculated risk that promises big rewards to punters.

If you are looking for alternative betting options, Over 3.25 Goals is available at 2.01. I think that both teams will take advantage of the early-season form both of them are currently in and score a couple of goals in. If you think Getafe can do the impossible and finish the first half with a one-goal lead, the First Half 1X2 market offers a mouth-watering 9.50 for Getafe.