26.05.2007 11:00
Getafe, a team with ambition
www.fcbarcelona.cat
FC Barcelona play host tonight to Getafe, who are currently in eighth position in the league table. Getafe have an inconsistent away record but have recently been on a good run of form away from their Coliseo Alfonso Pérez stadium.
Getafe are eighth with 52 points from 35 matches. They’ve won 14, drawn 10 and lost 11,
scoring 38 goals and conceding 29 – giving them the best defensive record in La Liga. In the
last month, they’ve chalked up three good results away from home and reversed the negative
trend of their previous away form. However, Getafe have been consistently strong at home, where
they’ve only lost twice, and this has catapulted them to the upper reaches of the table.
Right now, with another season in the top flight guaranteed and a UEFA Cup place a realistic
possibility, the Madrid-based side are looking to end the season on a high note.
Historic success
Getafe are enjoying the greatest success in the club’s history. They know they’ll
be back in the first division again next season and will play in their first ever Cup final on June
23rd. Win or lose, as long as Cup final opponents Sevilla finish in the top four, Getafe are
guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.
System
Getafe play a 4-4-2 system with a number of
tactical variations both in defence and in attack. Their main strengths are their defensive
solidity, tactical discipline and their ability to surprise teams on the break.
Their goalkeeper is reliable, the defence is solid, the midfield is strong and hardworking
and their strikers are lethal on the counterattack. Keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri has been one of
the revelations of the season. The Argentine made his debut with Getafe only this season but is
already a firm candidate for the “Zamora” trophy awarded to the goalkeeper who concedes
the fewest goals.
Güiza out injured
However, manager Bernd Schuster will be missing one vital piece of the jig-saw. The
team’s top scorer, Dani Güiza (11 goals), is out injured and is likely to be replaced by
either Pachón or Maris Verpakovskis.