Getafe Vs Athletic Club

Athletic Bilbao are set to continue their pursuit of a coveted Champions League qualification spot as they prepare for a crucial La Liga clash against Getafe at the Coliseum on Thursday. The Basque side, fresh off a hard-fought victory in their previous outing, will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins to solidify their position in the top four. Meanwhile, Getafe find themselves in a starkly different situation, mired in a dismal run of form that has seen them lose five consecutive matches, leaving their once-promising European aspirations in tatters.

For Getafe, the season has taken a dramatic downturn in recent weeks. After 30 matches, they appeared to be in a relatively stable mid-table position, sitting 11th with 39 points—just two points shy of the top eight and within touching distance of a potential European qualification berth. However, their hopes were swiftly dismantled by a disastrous sequence of results. A three-game losing streak quickly extended to five consecutive defeats, with Getafe failing to score in their last four matches. Their struggles began with a 3-1 defeat to Las Palmas, followed by three consecutive 1-0 losses to Espanyol, Real Madrid, and Rayo Vallecano. The misery continued in their most recent fixture, a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of Valencia—a particularly bitter result given that Valencia is the former club of Getafe’s manager, Jose Bordalas.

Despite their recent woes, Getafe are not in immediate danger of relegation. They currently sit 13th in the table, five points clear of the drop zone with only three matches remaining—against Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, and Celta Vigo. Survival remains their primary objective, and while their form has been concerning, their cushion over the bottom three provides some reassurance. However, their home form has been far from convincing, with just one win in their last eight league matches at the Coliseum (D2, L5). This poor run at home, combined with their recent struggles in front of goal, does not bode well as they prepare to face an Athletic Bilbao side with Champions League ambitions.

Adding to Getafe’s concerns is their dismal recent record against Athletic. The Madrid-based side have failed to win any of their last eight encounters with Los Leones, dating back to a 2-0 away victory in February 2020. Since then, Getafe have managed only seven draws and two losses against their Basque opponents. This historical disadvantage, coupled with their current slump, suggests that they will face an uphill battle to take anything from Thursday’s match.

On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao enter this fixture with renewed determination following their heartbreaking exit from the Europa League at the hands of Manchester United. After a valiant campaign in Europe, their dreams of reaching the final—which would have been held at their home ground, San Mames—were crushed by a 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford, resulting in a 7-1 aggregate loss. However, the Basque side displayed remarkable resilience by bouncing back immediately in La Liga, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over local rivals Alaves. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when an unfortunate own goal by Alaves defender Manu Sanchez handed Athletic all three points.

That victory was more than just a morale booster—it edged Athletic closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League, a competition they have not participated in since the 2014-15 season. With 64 points from 35 matches, they currently occupy fourth place, holding a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Villarreal and a six-point lead over sixth-placed Real Betis. With only three games remaining—against Getafe, Valencia, and Barcelona—Athletic are in a strong position to achieve their season’s primary objective. However, they cannot afford complacency, particularly given their inconsistent away form.

In recent weeks, Athletic have struggled to replicate their home dominance on the road, winning just one of their last seven away matches in La Liga (D4, L2). This inconsistency could prove problematic as they prepare to face Getafe, despite their historical dominance in this fixture. One positive omen for Athletic is their most recent visit to the Coliseum in May 2024, where they secured a 2-0 victory thanks to a brace from star forward Inaki Williams. That result marked their first away league win against Getafe since January 2016, providing a psychological boost ahead of Thursday’s encounter.

For Athletic, the stakes could not be higher. Champions League qualification would represent a monumental achievement for a club that has consistently punched above its weight in recent years. Manager Ernesto Valverde has instilled a strong sense of identity and tactical discipline in the squad, blending experienced campaigners like Iker Muniain and the Williams brothers with emerging talents such as Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. Their ability to recover from setbacks—such as the heavy defeat to Manchester United—demonstrates the mental fortitude within the group.

Getafe, meanwhile, must find a way to halt their alarming slide. Manager Jose Bordalas, known for his pragmatic and combative approach, will demand a response from his players. While their European hopes are all but extinguished, a strong finish to the season could restore some pride and momentum ahead of the next campaign. Key players like Enes Ünal, Borja Mayoral, and Nemanja Maksimovic will need to step up if they are to trouble an Athletic defense that has been resolute for much of the season.

Tactically, this match presents an intriguing contrast in styles. Athletic Bilbao favor a possession-based approach, utilizing the width provided by their wingers and the creativity of their midfielders to break down opponents. Getafe, by contrast, are more direct and physical, relying on set-pieces and counterattacks to create chances. The battle in midfield will be crucial—if Athletic can control possession and dictate the tempo, they will likely dominate proceedings. However, if Getafe can disrupt their rhythm and exploit any defensive lapses, they may have a chance to spring an upset.

Ultimately, this fixture carries significant implications for both clubs. For Athletic Bilbao, it is another step toward securing a return to Europe’s elite competition. For Getafe, it is an opportunity to arrest their slide and end the season on a positive note. The Coliseum may not be a fortress at the moment, but in La Liga, surprises are always possible. Will Athletic take another decisive step toward the Champions League, or will Getafe finally rediscover their form and play spoiler? The answers will unfold on Thursday night.