A disappointing 1-0 defeat at Cádiz on Sunday means that Getafe have now lost back-to-back La Liga matches for only the second time this campaign, ending their chances of European qualification. Despite the Azulones’ decline in form since the turn of the year, they remain on course for both their highest points tally and first top-ten finish since 2019/20, when they finished eighth with 54 points.
That total was amassed during current manager José Bordalas’ hugely successful first spell in charge, but even in that golden period, Getafe couldn’t beat Atlético Madrid, and are currently on a 24-game winless streak against them (D5, L19). However, what should encourage the home faithful at the Coliseum is that the last two H2Hs were draws (3-3 and 1-1), albeit both at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid also participated in a match that finished 1-0 at the weekend, but thankfully for them, they came out on top against Celta Vigo. That result pretty much cemented their place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification spots, as Athletic Club sit eight points behind Diego Simeone’s men with just three rounds of the season to go.
Should Atletico Madrid claim the spoils on Wednesday, they will earn a fourth straight league victory for the first time since October and move Simeone to within two wins of his 500th career victory in management. And given the 11-time La Liga champions have dropped the fewest points in the entire division from winning positions this term (four), if they hit the front, they’re a difficult side to reel in.
Players to watch: Mason Greenwood is two goals away from reaching double figures for the league season, although in four of the last five games in which he has registered a goal contribution, he has also been booked. Not known for being prolific in front of goal, Atletico Madrid Rodrigo De Paul has exceeded expectations by finding the net three times in his last seven matches, but those strikes were all openers at the Metropolitano.
Hot stat: Heading into this round of fixtures, Getafe have conceded more home goals in La Liga in the 15 minutes after half-time than any other side (six).
