Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Match Preview
Sunday's late game features two powerful squads eager to secure their presence in next year's European tournaments. Fernando Llorente is going through an excellent moment, having already scored 10 goals this season (both for Spain's Euro2012 and La Liga).
Getafe is standing at the doorsteps of the European qualification while Joaquin Caparros' Lions lurk three points below: A victory will help them close the gap and dream with showing their worth in the continent.
"I'm not surprised people are talking about him, but we cannot forget that the players who he has around him are very good. Athletic are not an uncultured team, just the opposite." said Michel when asked about Llorente.
A victory is mandatory for both sides to maintain their dreams alive. Javi Martínez is likely to be missing this game with injuries, while Michel loses Dani Parejo, Mario and Miguel Torres. Getafe's busy schedule (they face Stuttgart and Barcelona in the course of the next week) forces them to obtain a good result, Javier Casquero and Cata Diaz return to the starting eleven to strengthen Getafe's ball control.
Who will claim this European six-pointer?
Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Match Report
Joaquin Caparros' Lions turned San Mames into a fortress and secured three decisive points against Michel's Getafe. The hosts were superior from the first minute and Iraola opened the score early on the 6th minute with a powershot and San Jose followed from the 12 yards only six minutes later.
The two goal advantage allowed the hosts to dominate throughout the whole game. Getafe's attackers could never catch Athletic's goalkeeper Gorka Iraizos and eventually Igor Gabilondo score once again for the Lions, that stand now only one point away from the last European place.
Getafe performed far below the expectations of the crowds. Michel will have a lot of work to do to sharpen Azulones' weapons for the matches to come (Barcelona next week and Valencia on the following). Iker Muniain was the star of the match, leading the attack with powerful crosses.
Athletic becomes a deadly rival at the Cathedral, while Getafe is slowly pushed away from the European fight. Next week there'll be a perfect chance for redemption, are Michel's boys ready to take advantage of it?
