Getafe vs Apoel Nicosia, Europa League Play Off Preview, 19th August
Getafe’s season begins with them hosting Apoel Nicosia for the Europa League play off, first leg, at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Getafe return to the European competition after two long years. The Spanish side had an improved season in the Primera Division, but now seem to be on their way down. Two of their best players, Soldado and Pedro Leon have been sold to Real Madrid and Valencia, respectively. Getafe boast a fast paced attack and one touch passing, which can be lethal, especially to less experienced opponents. Getafe coach Michel will be without Pedro Mario Alvarez, Ibrahim Kas and Javier Casquero, but the Spaniards will make do with what they have.
Apoel have had better luck in Europe than their opponents tonight, they managed to reach the group stages of the Champions League last season. However, this competition is different from the Champions League. Even though the Europa League is a lesser competition, the teams competing in the Europa League are thought to be hungrier and drive then the teams featuring in the Champions League. Some would even argue that the Europa League makes for a more interesting watch than the coveted European Cup.
Apoel are favorites going into the match, having secured four straight wins in the Europa League qualifying fixtures. The wins were very convincing too, they started their campaign with a 6-1 aggregate victory over Lithuanian Tauras and went on to defeat Jablonec, the Czech Republic side, 4-1 on aggregate. However, it can be argued that Apoel have not yet met a worthy opponent, thus the big wins.
Pundits suggest that they might have a more equal match when they take of Getafe tonight, who are known for their pace and skill with the ball. Apoel will have to be careful to not be caught on the counter attack. The Greek side plans to play attacking football, and their only weakness will be when the Spaniards launch their counter attack. This match looks to be a thriller, though a home win looks imminent.
Probable Starting XI
Getafe: Codina; Rafa, Cata Diaz, Marcano, Mane; Gavilan; Boateng, Parejo, Borja; Albin, Colunga
Apoel: Chiotis; Jorge, Grncarov, Boaventura, Solomou; Broerse, Pinto, Charalambides, Manduca; Marcinho; S. Solari
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