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Spanish League

Athletic Bilbao vs. Getafe

Athletic Bilbao is seventh in the league while Getafe is right behind them at eighth. Athletic Bilbao is only three points away from Champions league spot and one from Europa league qualifying spots. What initially looked difficult could become reality at the end of the season if they continue to play like this. What I mean is that this team dreams with qualifying for Champions league and their options of finally making it is quite real. In fact they could be much higher if it wasn’t for their unfortunate run of missed penalties this season, missing four out of seven penalties including one missed in last match against Sporting Gijon where they ended the match 0-0. For this match Athletic Bilbao has confirmed the recovery of many important players who were doubtful so we will see them throw everything onto the field in order to gain three very valuable points.

Getafe has suffered a huge blow this week with the injury of Soldado for the rest of the season. This player is the top-scorer of Getafe and is probably the most important player in the team. The level of importance in the team is such that even manager Michel has admitted in many occasions that they depended heavily on this player after seeing bad results this season in many matches where he was missed. When he hasn’t been playing Getafe always had bad results and their best matches this season was also thanks to a very inspired Soldado. His substitute Manu del Moral has scored last match but overall in my opinion he is not enough to replace Soldado so we might see Getafe having problems once more until the end of the season.

Athletic Bilbao is playing very well lately and is highly motivated to make it to Champions league this year. Getafe will miss their best player this season and will surely feel his absence on the field. Athletic Bilbao is a very solid team at home with 8 victories out of 12 home matches while Getafe lost 9 out of 13 away matches.

Athletic Bilbao is stronger and should win this. Athletic Bilbao @ 2. 1 looks great.

Record Date : 18/03/2010 19:46