Arda Guler scored on a rare start for Real Madrid as they closed the gap on Barcelona in the La Liga title race to four points with a 1-0 win over Getafe.

However, there are injury concerns for Madrid before Saturday’s Clasico against their rivals. David Alaba was replaced by Eduardo Camavinga at half-time at the Coliseum after feeling some discomfort before the 22-year-old Frenchman himself then ended the game limping.

Speaking after the match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti said of the pair: “We’ll see tomorrow. (They) are two muscular problems and it’s difficult for them to recover for Saturday.”

Madrid meet Barca on Saturday in the Copa del Rey final with their rivals chasing a treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League success.

Ancelotti rested several stars against Getafe and Guler, making only his ninth La Liga start this season, played in midfield and the 20-year-old scored the goal that sealed the win for Madrid after 21 minutes with a strike from outside of the box.

The second half remained goalless, despite Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham being brought on, as Madrid saw out a third consecutive 1-0 win in La Liga.

Thibaut Courtois was forced into a great save in injury time at the end to ensure Madrid kept up the pace with Barca.

The win leaves Madrid second in La Liga on 72 points, four points behind the leaders with five games to play.

The result comes as Ancelotti is expected to leave as head coach with the Brazil national team his most likely destination.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is the favoured candidate to take over and the Bundesliga club’s CEO Fernando Carro said this week there is a gentleman’s agreement with the former Madrid midfielder to allow him to discuss any offers if he is approached by his former clubs.

(Top photo: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)