Los Blancos have already stamped their dominance by conquering Athletic Bilbao, Almeria, and Celta Vigo in their opening fixtures, establishing a commanding lead atop the league table with nine points. Meanwhile, Getafe, currently positioned 11th, has accrued a respectable four points from their initial three matches of the campaign.
Real Madrid's initial three fixtures of this season demanded their presence away from home due to the ongoing renovations at the Bernabeu. However, the stadium has now reached a stage where it can once again bear witness to the electric atmosphere of live matches.
The Los Blancos commenced their season with a 2-0 triumph over Athletic, followed by a resounding 3-1 victory against Almeria. Their winning streak was extended to three in a row with a hard-fought 1-0 conquest over Celta last Friday, solidifying their early-season dominance.
Jude Bellingham has been the standout performer this season, making an immediate impact with four goals in his first three appearances for the club. Nonetheless, the Spanish giants have encountered a string of injuries to key players in the early stages of the campaign.
Last season, Real Madrid trailed champions Barcelona by a substantial 10 points in Spain's top tier, but the upcoming season promises a more competitive race for the title. Atletico Madrid also harbors aspirations of mounting a stronger challenge in the 2023-24 campaign.
Real Madrid has a recent history of success against Getafe, claiming victory in their last three league encounters. However, it's worth noting that both matches against Getafe last season ended with a narrow 1-0 scoreline, and Jose Bordalas's side has already held Barcelona to a goalless draw this term.
Getafe embarked on their season with a goalless draw against Barcelona, but their momentum was momentarily halted with a 3-0 defeat against Girona in their second fixture. They managed to rebound in their latest outing, securing a 1-0 win over Alaves, courtesy of Borja Mayoral's late penalty.
Getafe, currently occupying the 11th spot in the league table with four points, has made a promising start. Furthermore, they hold a significant triumph over Real Madrid from January 2022 when they secured a 1-0 victory on their home turf.
Bordalas's side has been proactive in the summer transfer market, securing seven new signings. Simultaneously, they bid farewell to notable players like Jaime Seoane, Sergi Altimira, and Munir El Haddadi.
Getafe's performance this season won't solely hinge on their matches against the giants of the league, particularly when playing away from home. Nevertheless, they'll look to exploit Real Madrid's injury-plagued squad this weekend, as Ancelotti's side will be without three pivotal players for this encounter.
Real Madrid's injury woes were exacerbated during the Celta match when Vinicius Junior was forced off in the first half due to a muscular issue, potentially sidelining him for a month or more. Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois remain long-term absentees owing to severe knee injuries, while Arda Guler is also recuperating from a knee operation.
Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are in the final stages of their recoveries from early-season setbacks but are set to miss this weekend's fixture. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are pushing for starting roles, but there may be only one change from the lineup that faced Celta, with Joselu likely stepping in for the injured Vinicius.
Meanwhile, Getafe has four players currently sidelined due to injuries, including Jose Angel Carmona, Mauro Arambarri, Luis Milla, and Enes Unal. Carles Alena and Portu are contenders for starting positions, but it appears that head coach Bordalas will stick with the same XI that featured against Alaves.
Notably, former Real Madrid players Borja Mayoral and Juanmi Latasa are expected to lead Getafe's attack, complemented by Jaime Mata and Juan Iglesias in the starting lineup.
It's worth mentioning that Mason Greenwood, who was acquired on loan from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, will not be available for selection due to fitness concerns.
The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as these two teams prepare to lock horns at the newly-renovated Bernabeu, promising fans an exhilarating encounter in the realm of professional football.