Who will play for Real Madrid against Getafe? Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz and Jesus Vallejo could start

Real Madrid’s season now hangs on the outcome of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City next week. Los Blancos have already lifted the Copa del Rey but are well off the pace in LaLiga, meaning that Champions League glory is the only focus now.

In the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Carlo Ancelotti’s side were able to hold City to a 1-1 draw. The Italian manager gave a press conference on Friday ahead of his side’s game against Getafe on Saturday.

In conversation with reporters, Ancelotti suggested that some key players could be getting a rest this weekend.

“I want to preserve the players who are tired, but the ones who are well will go out on the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “Some players received hits in Tuesday’s game and they still haven’t recovered, like [Karim] Benzema, [David] Alaba and Rodrygo.”

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“Courtois will play tomorrow”, Ancelotti added. “Vinicius too. I don’t know if from the start or not. It’s going to be a very competitive team. I’m not going to risk anything, because we have fresh players.”

Regardless of Madrid’s result, Barcelona can win the league this weekend with a victory over rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou.

Eden Hazard could make rare league start for Madrid

When he signed for €100 million from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, Eden Hazard was one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe. But nearly four years on the Belgian has barely made an impact in the Spanish capital and he has made just one previous league start this season.

But, seven months after his last LaLiga start, Hazard looks set to return to the starting XI on Saturday.

Also in with a chance of a start against Getafe are Alvaro Odriozola, Mariano Diaz and Jesus Vallejo. Diaz was given the opportunity to lead the line against Real Sociedad last week but underwhelmed in a 2-0 defeat.

But while Ancelotti is expected to ring the changes ahead of the trip to Manchester, his options have been boosted by the return from injury of two players.

Ferland Mendy was back in training this week as he continues his recovery from an injury to his left soleus sustained against Barcelona back in March. Likewise midfielder Dani Ceballos is also approaching full fitness after being forced to pull out of last weekend’s Copa del Rey final due to injury.

Both players could be available to face Getafe, but it is thought that Ancelotti will limit their minutes ahead of next week’s crucial Champions League tie.