The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez is preparing to host a duel with multiple interpretations and disparate needs.
On the one hand, Getafe CF is looking to move away from any danger at the bottom of the table, consolidating their stay in La Liga EA Sports and keeping their chances of getting closer to the top half of the table alive.
On the other hand, Atlético de Madrid must keep winning every three points to sustain their bid for the La Liga title and keep pace with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the intense battle for the crown. With the season entering its decisive stretch, every point is crucial for both Los Azulones and Los Colchoneros.
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Team News
José Bordalás' side find themselves in a peculiar situation. With 30 points to their name, they are equidistant from the European places (six points below seventh) and the relegation zone (six points above).
Inconsistent performances have marked their season, but with moments in which they have shown the ability to compete against anyone. However, they come into this match with two consecutive defeats in the championship against Real Betis and Leganés, a dynamic that cannot be prolonged if they want to avoid scares in the campaign's final stretch.
The most worrying aspect for Los Azulones has been their lack of goals: they have only scored 21 times in 26 games.
While their defensive solidity has been a point in their favor, with only 21 goals conceded (the second-best record in the competition after Atlético), their lack of attack has prevented them from consolidating their position in the top half of the table.
Borja Mayoral, their reference in attack, has had an uneven season due to physical problems, and although he has scored four goals this season, he has not found the necessary consistency.
Historically, Getafe has not beaten Atlético Madrid in La Liga since November 2011. Since then, they have gone 24 games without a win against Los Colchoneros, which speaks volumes about Simeone's side's dominance in this fixture. In addition, the Copa del Rey wound is still open after the 5-0 defeat at the Metropolitano in February.
Atletico de Madrid goes into this game under pressure to continue to make it three points from three in their fight for the title.
With the season entering its decisive phase, every game is a final for Simeone's side, who cannot afford to slip up if they want to stay in contention with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Colchoneros have been solid in La Liga, especially in the last few rounds, with significant wins over Valencia and Athletic Club. However, inconsistency away from home has been a factor to correct, with points dropped in six of their 12 away games.
Therefore, this visit to the Coliseum is a litmus test in a stretch of the season in which every detail counts. In defensive terms, Atleti remains one of the championship's benchmarks.
With only 19 goals conceded in 26 games, Simeone's side has the most reliable defense in La Liga. José María Giménez and Clément Lenglet have formed a solid partnership in the center of defense, with Jan Oblak maintaining his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the competition.
Despite the pressure of the Champions League, with the return leg against Real Madrid just around the corner and the direct duel in La Liga against FC Barcelona next weekend, Simeone knows this game is key. A slip-up in Getafe could take Atletico out of the title race, so the team will need to be as focused as possible on a pitch where they have historically been able to win.
Atleti is expected to rotate many players this weekend, although the club's philosophy is always looking to the next game.
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Possible line-ups
Getafe: Soria; Iglesias, Djene, Duarte, Rico; Nyom, Milla, Arambarri, Bernat; Uche, Mayoral.
Atletico de Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Lenglet, Le Normad, Reinildo; Correa, Pablo Barrios, De Paul, Samu Lino; Julian Alvarez, Sørloth.
Key Players
Mauro Arambarri (Getafe)
The Uruguayan midfielder perfectly embodies Getafe's combative identity under José Bordalás.
Since arriving in 2017, Mauro Arambarri has been vital, providing balance, aggressiveness, and tireless work in ball recovery. His ability to press and intercept makes him indispensable in a team that thrives on solidity and order.
Arambarri's tactical intelligence and physical commitment help maintain Getafe's defensive structure, making him a key figure in their game plan. While his primary role isn't playmaking, he possesses a powerful shot and solid passing ability (6 G).
Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid)
Since his arrival at Atlético de Madrid, Julián Álvarez has shown why Simeone bet heavily on him.
His versatility allows him to play both as a second striker alongside Griezmann and in a more mobile role, dropping to the wing, which makes him a problematic striker to mark.
With his speed, partnership skills, and nose for goal that has allowed him to shine in his first few months in La Liga, the Argentinian has become a key player with 22 goals and five assists.
The former River Plate and Manchester City striker has taken on an increasingly important role in the red-and-white attack. His mobility creates space for Griezmann, and his ability to press and recover balls in the opposition half fits perfectly with the club's philosophy.
Date, kick-off time, and where to watch
Getafe CF vs Atletico de Madrid is scheduled to kick off at 8am EST, Sunday, March 9, 2025.
TV viewers in the USA can watch the game live the relevant US Networks like ESPN +.
Explore more stats, standings and news on VAVEL Data: Atlético de Madrid
