Getafe CF-Atlético Madrid: Rojiblancos hit the road for derby

Atlético Madrid can take another step toward just its third league title in 44 years with three more points against Getafe on Saturday evening.

This matchday 27 outing will see league-leading Atlético (19-5-2, 62 points) attempt to ring up a 14th consecutive win over Getafe (7-6-13, 27 points) — which has not scored a single goal in this fixture since 2011. Between league and cup play, los rojiblancos have kept 18 consecutive clean sheets against their neighbors.

“We try to come into each game in the best way possible,” Diego Simeone said Friday. “We came from making a great effort in the derby. We couldn’t win, Real Madrid equalized at the end. That is why I value the reaction (against Athletic Club on Wednesday) more after going 1-0 down.

“We still have hours ahead of us to rest. I hope we can take the game (on Saturday) where we want.”

Getafe coach José Bordalás has endured a challenging season, leading many to wonder if this is the end of what’s been a brilliant cycle at the club. Since a convincing win over Cádiz on Dec. 20, his men have won only three of 13 and slipped to 15th in the table.

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

“We understand the characteristics that have led to their best moments are the same,” Simeone said about Getafe. “Intense, aggressive, they know how they want to play...they have a huge competitive spirit.

“We expect that tomorrow, as we always do when we face a Bordalás team.”

Other than the suspended Felipe, Atlético’s entire squad is available Saturday. José Giménez has recovered from a muscular injury, while Héctor Herrera has returned to the team after his mother’s death from COVID-19. Even with a looming trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Wednesday, Simeone is expected to pick a strong team, with just a couple changes from the side that beat Athletic on Wednesday. Giménez is likely to come back into the 11 right away, while Ángel Correa might start next to Luis Suárez — who is one goal behind Lionel Messi in the scoring race and hit the winning header when Getafe visited the Wanda Metropolitano in December.

Date March 13, 2021

Location Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Getafe, Madrid

Kickoff time 9:00 p.m. CET, 8:00 p.m. GMT, 3:00 p.m. EST, 12:00 p.m. PST

Available TV/streaming Movistar LaLiga (Spain), LaLiga TV (United Kingdom), beIN Sports (United States), DIRECTV Sports (Argentina), beIN Sports 1 (France), SuperSport LaLiga (South Africa), Migu (China)