La Liga top four battle heats up in the captial
The race for La Liga’s top four heats up this weekend between two sides in the middle of a busy week having battled hard in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Just two points separate these two with Atletico Madrid splitting them apart in fourth, only above Sevilla on goal difference. They have the fourth and fifth best defences in the division respectively and therefore may rely on them to get a foothold in the game following a tiring week.
Europa League fortunes
Getafe caught the eye by taking control of their tie with Ajax, they won 2-0 at Coliseum Alfonso Perez giving the Dutch champions and 2018/19 Champions League semi-finalists an uphill battle to make the last 16. It was a tale of two Brazilians for Jose Bordalas’ men, bit part forward Deyverson was drafted in for the encounter and repaid his manager’s faith by opening the scoring after 38 minutes, then after absorbing some pressure in an outstanding rearguard action restricting the visitors to 0 shots on target, Chelsea loanee Kenedy sealed the advantage in the 93rd minute just five minutes after his introduction in place of Marc Cucurella.
Julen Lopetegui’s men did not manage to take a lead from their trip to Romania but will be content with a 1-1 draw. The favourites to win the tournament went behind after 59 minutes as Ciprian Deac broke the deadlock for CFR Cluj before substitute before substitute Youssef En Nesyri grabbed the equaliser in the 82nd minute, putting his side in a commanding position in the tie.
Recent form
Both teams have failed to score in eight of Getafe’s last nine home games, with four out of five taking the same outcome in recent league head-to-heads. Sevilla have been on a poor run away from home which contributes to why Getafe are narrow favourites to take all three points and kick on towards Champions League qualification, their draw in Romania putting an end to a streak of four straight losses.
The hosts’ top scorer Rodriguez Angel has been in and out of the team of late, however I would expect to play some part for sure, the Seville backline must not have a tired lapse in concentration as the 32-year-old has bagged eight of his 10 league goals after the hour mark. As a team Bordalas’ men come on strong in the closing exchanges, slamming in a third of their home league strikes post-75th minute, expect substitutes to continue to make an impact in this one.
With Sevilla having more to do in the Europa League and their recent poor run, Getafe look the stronger and will continue their good form on Sunday evening.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Sevilla emerged as a top four power in this affair, winning 3-0 and leapfrogging Getafe who have been knocked down to fifth.