Real Madrid vs Getafe CF preview: Madrid look to extend lead at top of the table to four points – VAVEL.com

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 Sociedadin their most recent game - managing three draws and only one loss on their return.

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 defendersXabier Etxeitaand Djene Dakonam will be looking to nullify the threat of Benzema firing on all cylinders.

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 FerlandMendy.

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

Luka Modripiled more misery onto Getafein the 96th minute afterFederico Valverde'slaunched a late counter attack, whichModriended as he slotted home into an open goalwith ease.

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

In positive news for Madrid,Mendy and Modri 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.

Jos Bordals' side managed to come through their clash against RealSociedad without any injuries ahead of tonight's big game.

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

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

Zidaneis 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".

Read more:

Real Madrid vs Getafe CF preview: Madrid look to extend lead at top of the table to four points - VAVEL.com