“Wait, there’s a match on Wednesday?”

By: Al | September 23rd, 2008

Jornada 4: Getafe vs. Atlético Madrid

Wednesday is the first Madrid derby of the season when we visit Getafe CF.

We currently sit in 5th place with 6 points from three matches, only being held back by that annoying loss to Valladolid.

Another loss will throw off our groove and we’ll be digging ourselves a La Liga grave if we let points slip. I can already assure you that it’ll be very, very difficult to overcome Real and Barcelona (and the rejuvenated Valencia already looks scary). Our squad is in great shape and with the resurrection of Maniche and Kun’s inevitability of scoring, a top 4 finish can be accomplished again if we can maintain consistency and resilience. Aguirre has said that La Liga is the priority this season and the squad believes they can win it.

Getafe:

There’s only one word that can describe Getafe, and that’s “pesky”. Last season, Spain had Getafe fever and under the lead of ladies-man Michael Laudrup, “Euro-Geta” reached the UEFA Cup quarters and the Copa Del Rey final but only reached 14th place in La Liga. They made life hell for teams such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Sevilla with shock victories, but they were still unable to defeat us (we beat ‘em 1-0 at home and drew 1-1 away).

They currently have 5 points from a win over Sporting Gijon and draws against Betis and Espanyol. Getafe is still a force to be reckoned with regardless of who’s in charge of the team. (Also, their manager Víctor Muñoz was Florent Sinama-Pongolle’s manager at Recreativo last season. Another blast from the past for our goalscoring Frenchman.)

With a solid defense and an attack led by Esteban Granero and Roberto Soldado, Getafe could produce a result if our guard is let down.

Expect Granero and the rest of the squad to put up a fight.

Rosters:

Getafe: Jacobo, Gonzalo, Cata Diaz, Mario, Licht, Cortes, Kas, Celestini, Mario Cotelo, Gavilan, Sousa, Guerron, Polanski, Casquero, Adrian, Granero, Soldado, Manu, Albin, Uche

Atlético: Coupet, Leo Franco, Seitaridis, Antonio Lopez, Pernia, Pablo, Ujfalusi, Perea, Rauol Garcia, Luis Garcia, Maxi Rodriguez, Assunção, Ever “Grande desde siempre” Banega, Maniche, de las Cuevas, Simao, Camacho, Kun Aguero, Sinama-Pongolle

Probable lineup: Coupet, Seitaridis, Ujfalusi, Perea, Antonio Lopez, Maxi, Maniche, Raul Garcia, Simao, Kun, Sinama

Prediction: 1-2. Atlético will fight to keep themselves from losing again, but Getafe will still put up a challenge and may slot in a goal. Worst outcome: a draw.

Aupa Atleti!