Getafe vs Alaves

Deportivo Alaves will be aiming to maintain their promising form in the 2024-25 La Liga season as they travel to Madrid to face Getafe on Saturday afternoon. The Basque side, despite a spirited performance, are coming off a narrow 3-2 loss against Real Madrid. On the other hand, Getafe’s struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona, leaving them winless this season and desperate for a turnaround.

Match Preview: Struggling Getafe Face Formidable Alaves

Getafe, currently languishing in 19th place, are one of only two teams—alongside bottom-placed Las Palmas—yet to secure a victory in the league this season. With just four points from seven matches, the Madrid-based side finds itself in the midst of a crisis. Their attacking frailties have been glaringly evident, as they have managed to score only three goals in their opening seven games, tying them for the worst offensive record in La Liga. However, despite their struggles, Getafe have shown glimpses of resilience, particularly in their narrow 1-0 losses to Sevilla, Real Betis, and Barcelona.

José Bordalás, Getafe’s head coach, is under mounting pressure to steer his side back on course before the upcoming international break. The next two fixtures, both at home, will be crucial in defining their season, starting with the clash against Alaves, followed by a match against Osasuna. These games provide a golden opportunity for Getafe to finally break their winless streak and climb out of the relegation zone.

Historically, recent meetings between Getafe and Alaves have been closely contested. In fact, six of their last eight encounters in La Liga have ended in a draw, underlining the competitive nature of this fixture. Nevertheless, Getafe emerged victorious the last time these two sides met at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, securing a 1-0 win during the 2023-24 campaign.

Getafe’s struggles this season have been compounded by their inability to convert chances into goals. The team's three goals in seven matches highlight a significant issue in their attacking play, with players like Christantus Uche and Jaime Mata failing to find consistent form. Defensively, however, they have been more solid than their league position suggests. Their defense has conceded fewer goals than many of the teams around them in the table, which has kept them in games against stronger opposition like Real Betis and Barcelona. But unless they can address their attacking shortcomings, their defensive efforts may go to waste.

José Bordalás’ tactical approach has remained largely conservative, focusing on keeping things tight at the back and looking to hit teams on the counter. This strategy, however, has not yielded the desired results, as the lack of firepower up front has hampered their progress. The Getafe faithful are growing increasingly frustrated with the team's performances, and the visit of Alaves presents a critical juncture in their season.

For Bordalás, the focus will be on instilling confidence in his forwards while maintaining the defensive discipline that has kept them in games against higher-caliber opponents. A win against Alaves would not only boost morale but also provide a much-needed platform for Getafe to build on in the weeks ahead. With home advantage and a point to prove, Getafe will be hoping that their fortunes change sooner rather than later.

Alaves: Building on a Strong Start

On the other hand, Alaves will enter Saturday’s match with a sense of optimism despite their recent loss to Real Madrid. The Basque outfit, who finished 10th in La Liga last season after gaining promotion back to the top flight, have made an impressive start to the new campaign, collecting 10 points from seven matches. Their current position of eighth in the table reflects their ability to compete with the top teams in the league.

Alaves’ most recent outing, a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, was a testament to their fighting spirit. Despite falling 3-0 behind early in the second half, Alaves mounted a late comeback with goals from Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia. Though they were unable to secure an equalizer, the performance demonstrated their attacking potential and resilience, qualities that will be crucial as they look to continue their upward trajectory.

Under the guidance of head coach Luis Garcia, Alaves have developed into a well-organized and disciplined side, capable of playing attractive football while remaining compact defensively. Garcia’s tactical flexibility has been key to their success, allowing them to adapt their approach depending on the opposition. This versatility was on full display in their 2-1 away victory over Real Sociedad earlier in the season, where Alaves combined solid defending with clinical finishing to secure all three points.

One of the standout features of Alaves’ play this season has been their attacking prowess. The team has scored 11 goals in their opening seven matches, a figure that places them among the more potent sides in the league. The attacking duo of Kike Garcia and Benavidez has been particularly effective, with both players contributing crucial goals at important moments. However, while their offensive play has been impressive, Alaves have also been vulnerable at the back, conceding 10 goals in the same period. This defensive fragility will be an area of concern for Garcia, particularly as they prepare to face a Getafe side desperate to find the back of the net.

Alaves’ strong start to the season has been built on a solid team ethic, with players like Ruben Duarte and Toni Moya playing key roles in the midfield. Duarte’s defensive contributions and Moya’s ability to dictate play from deeper positions have provided the platform for Alaves’ attacking players to flourish. In addition, Garcia’s squad has shown great depth, with substitutes regularly making an impact in matches, as was the case in their spirited comeback against Real Madrid.

As they prepare to face Getafe, Alaves will be looking to build on their positive performances and return to winning ways. Despite being on the road, they will fancy their chances against a struggling Getafe side, particularly given their attacking form. However, Garcia will be mindful of Getafe’s defensive organization and the fact that games between these two sides have historically been close affairs. A win for Alaves would solidify their position in the top half of the table and further enhance their credentials as one of the surprise packages of the season.

The Tactical Battle: Getafe’s Defense vs Alaves’ Attack

The key tactical battle in this match is likely to be between Getafe’s defense and Alaves’ attack. Bordalás is known for his pragmatic approach, often setting his team up to defend deep and frustrate the opposition. Against an Alaves side that has been free-scoring this season, Getafe’s ability to remain compact and organized will be critical. They will aim to sit back, soak up pressure, and hit Alaves on the counter-attack, hoping that their defense can hold firm while their forwards look to exploit any opportunities that come their way.

Alaves, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and push Getafe onto the back foot. Luis Garcia’s side has shown a willingness to press high up the pitch, forcing mistakes from their opponents and creating chances through quick transitions. Their fluid attacking play, combined with the individual brilliance of players like Kike Garcia, makes them a formidable opponent. However, they will need to be wary of Getafe’s counter-attacking threat, particularly given their own defensive vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: A Must-Win for Getafe, a Test for Alaves

As the two teams prepare to face off, the stakes are high for both sides, albeit for different reasons. For Getafe, this match represents an opportunity to finally break their winless run and start climbing the table. A defeat would leave them further adrift and could see Bordalás’ position come under even greater scrutiny. On the other hand, Alaves will be looking to capitalize on Getafe’s struggles and consolidate their place in the upper reaches of the table. A win for the Basque side would reinforce their status as one of the league’s in-form teams and continue their impressive start to the campaign.

The outcome of this match could hinge on which side is able to impose their style of play. Getafe will need to be disciplined and clinical in front of goal if they are to take anything from the game, while Alaves will need to find a balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity.