Getafe – Atletico: Match Preview and Prediction

On May 15, 2024. 23:00. Getafe. ‘Coliseum’.
La Liga 2023-24. 36th round

‘Getafe’ – ‘Atletico’ (Madrid)

Where to watch: MEGOGO, Volia TV

Suspended: None

Injured: Domingos Duarte, Djené Dakonam, Juan Iglesias, Mauro Arambarri, Borja Mayoral – Nauel Molina, Thomas Lemar

Questionable: Yélyu Santiago – Samuel Lino

At risk of suspension: Oscar Rodriguez, Juanmi Latasa – Cesar Azpilicueta, Jose Gimenez, Axel Witsel, Gabriel Paulista, Koke

‘Getafe’

‘Azulones’ is one of the teams in the current Spanish championship for whom the season has practically ended. The Madrid team is not aiming to qualify for European competition but is not in danger of relegation either, something that was never a threat throughout the season. At the beginning of March, Jose Bordalas’ team dropped points in a home game against Las Palmas (3-3) and also lost their top scorer Borja Mayoral to injury. In the following eight matches, Getafe secured two victories, first unexpectedly defeating Girona (1-0), and then overcoming Almeria away (3-1), a loss that meant Almeria’s chances of survival were over.

In May, the ‘azulones’ have been exclusively on the losing end so far. Initially, they lost at home to Atletico 0-2, finishing the match with a numerical advantage of two players and failing to convert a penalty at the end of regular time (Greenwood lost a duel to Unai Simon). And last weekend, Jose Bordalas’ team gifted points to Cadiz, who are in dire need of victories for survival – 0-1. Currently, Getafe remains in 10th place in the La Liga table and will probably not mind finishing the season there to secure more prize money. However, they will have to fight for that position in the upcoming match against Alaves, who are the closest pursuers of the ‘azulones’.

‘Atletico’

A month ago, Diego Simeone’s team was eliminated from the Champions League, losing 2-4 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg after a 2-1 victory at home. A few days later, the ‘Colchoneros’ lost 0-2 to Alaves away, but then secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Athletic, winning the head-to-head for 4th place and a spot in the Champions League. Thanks to this success, the Madrid team extended their lead over the Basques to six points and now lead them by eight points, so effectively, Atletico have achieved their goal and can now comfortably finish the season. However, to secure it, they need to gain at least one point, which can be done at the ‘Coliseum’.

The current advantage over Athletic was formed thanks to two consecutive 1-0 victories, which were hard-fought for by Diego Simeone’s team. In the last two matches, the classic ‘Atletico’ El Cholo style could be observed, focused on defense and set up for a result at all costs. First, the Madrid team defeated Mallorca away thanks to an early goal (5th minute) by Rodrigo Riquelme, and last weekend, they pressed Celta on their own field. The second victory was brought by another Rodrigo, De Paul, who scored a splendid goal in the 84th minute from a corner kick.

‘Getafe’ – ‘Atletico’: Possible Lineups

After the match with Cadiz, charismatic defensive leader Djené Dakonam joined the previously injured Domingos Duarte, Juan Iglesias, Mauro Arambarri, and Borja Mayoral on the sidelines for Getafe, while young midfielder Yélyu Santiago’s participation in the upcoming match is also in question. As for Atletico, the usual absences for the visitors include Thomas Lemar, as well as the unavailable full-back Nauel Molina. Samuel Lino’s participation in the match is questionable.

‘Getafe’ – ‘Atletico’: Author’s Prediction

‘Atletico’ under Diego Simeone has never lost to ‘Getafe’. Currently, this streak stands at 22 matches, with 18 of them resulting in wins for the ‘Colchoneros’. Recently, ‘azulones’ have also gone 19 matches without scoring against Atletico, but at the same time, Getafe was one of the few teams in the last year not to lose to Atletico at the ‘Metropolitano’ – 1-1 in February 2023 and 3-3 in December, in the first round match of the current championship. Getafe’s current winless streak at home is 10 matches, eight of which have ended in victories for the visitors. Atletico are the favorites once again, and I believe Diego Simeone’s team will confirm this status.