Espanyol – Getafe
Espanyol kicks off the 32nd round of La Liga on Friday evening at the RCDE Stadium against Getafe CF. On paper, Espanyol is just above the relegation zone with 35 points and in 15th place, level on points with Girona, so every point is crucial. Coach Manolo González can celebrate two away wins in a row (4-0 at Rayo Vallecano, 2-0 at Celta Vigo, both without conceding a goal), but the absence of captain and top scorer Javi Puado (10 goals, 3 assists) due to a yellow card suspension leaves a tactical and emotional hole. Nevertheless, a structured approach and the winter transfers are causing optimism.
On the other hand, Getafe are in eleventh place under José Bordalás with 39 points, but recently missed the chance to consolidate their position in the upper half of the table with a 1-3 defeat to Las Palmas. In addition, left-back Diego Rico is suspended after being sent off. Nevertheless, Getafe are very strong away from home: six wins in their last seven games speak for stability and tactical skill. In the first leg in December, Getafe narrowly prevailed 1-0. With both teams currently needing to collect points in a tight table, it is likely to be another hard-fought and probably low-scoring duel, especially as there have rarely been more than two goals in recent head-to-head encounters.
Espanyol – Getafe Info
- Venue: RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat
- Date and time: 18.04.2025, 21:00
- Competition: La Liga (matchday 32)
Espanyol is on the rise overall: Two convincing away wins (0-4 in Vallecas and 2-0 in Vigo) brought nine points in three games. Coach Manolo González’s team is showing both courage in its play and defensive compactness, even if things haven’t always looked rock solid at the back. The Catalans are particularly determined in the second half, which is reflected in a steady stream of goals after the break. However, the absence of playmaker and captain Javi Puado weighs heavily, as he was instrumental in many offensive moves. However, thanks to some clever winter transfers and a successful pep talk, González has formed a combative collective that absolutely must score points in the tight relegation battle (15th in the table, just one point behind Sevilla).
Espanyol coach González is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has brought more stability recently. García will start in goal, with El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, and Romero forming a back four. González and Lozano are likely to play in the double pivot, with Expósito, Milla, and Roca forming the attacking trio behind them. With Javi Puado suspended, Fernández could start as the lone striker, flanked by quick transition players. Alternatives such as Véliz or Cheddira can provide additional impetus should the offense falter.
Getafe Form & Record Check
Getafe are currently proving to be a moody but extremely successful away team: six wins from their last seven games on the road underline their quality. However, their recent 1-3 home defeat to Las Palmas shows that stability is not always guaranteed despite Bordalás’ tactical approach. Without the suspended Diego Rico, the defense could falter again, while the offense continues to score goals. Getafe has scored at least once in each of its last five league games, but has also conceded goals on a regular basis. Due to the tight table situation – only one point separates the team from Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna – the Madrid side cannot afford any slip-ups if it wants to hold on to eleventh place.
Getafe are expected to stick with coach Bordalás’ established 4-4-2 system. Goalkeeper Letáček will stand behind the central defense pairing of Alderete and Duarte, while Berrocal (replacing the suspended Rico) and Iglesias will occupy the full-back positions. In midfield, Milla, Arambarri, Terrats, and Bernat provide a balance between defense and quick transitions. Up front, the duo of Uche and Juanmi are likely to carry the responsibility once again. Bordalás is thus sticking to tried-and-tested structures to ensure both tactical compactness and firepower.
Espanyol – Getafe Head-to-Head & Statistics
A look at the last five direct encounters between Espanyol and Getafe reveals a clear trend: not a single draw, but three wins for Espanyol and two for Getafe. Getafe won the last match in December 2024 by a narrow 1-0 margin, after also prevailing in the cup. Between 2022 and 2023, Espanyol recorded a small winning streak, always staying one goal ahead. However, spectacular games were few and far between – less than 2.5 goals were scored in four of the last five encounters. Only once did both teams score, with the game usually decided in the first half in favor of the eventual winner.
