Villarreal vs Getafe preview - Rodriguez wants Villarreal response

Posted Monday, March 12, 2012 by PA

Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodriguez believes a three-point haul against Getafe would be the perfect way to exorcise the ghosts of last week's shock defeat to relegation rivals Real Zaragoza.

Rock-bottom Zaragoza picked up only their fourth league win of the season after coming from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 with two goals in the last five minutes.

That result left 17th-placed Villarreal just three points above the drop zone and, for a side who finished fourth last season, the prospect of going down remains a very real threat.

Gonzalo admitted that loss was a major setback for his side, but hopes they can put it behind them with a victory over Getafe at El Madrigal.

"Losing against the bottom team was a psychological blow, but we need to move on because on Monday we have a great chance to forget that defeat," the Argentina international said.

"These are games against direct rivals which we simply have to win."

Not only is Gonzalo targeting a victory tomorrow, but he believes Villarreal will need to be on their game for each of the remaining 13 fixtures this season as they seek to save their top-flight status.

"Until the end of the season every game is going to be crucial. We are playing for a lot and each match is like a cup final," he added.

"We cannot allow any more points to slip away, either at home or away."

A win tomorrow would see Villarreal climb above Getafe, who started the weekend two points and two places above their opponents.

Getafe have picked up just two points from their last five games to slip towards the drop zone but coach Luis Garcia insists the situation is not yet critical for the Madrid-based club.

"We've gone five weeks without winning but it isn't a dramatic situation, it's uncomfortable," he said.

"Dramatic was in the final game of last season (Getafe finished a point above the relegation zone following a final-day draw with Real Sociedad).

"We need to pick up points, improve on certain facets and be more decisive in both areas. Now we have to change the dynamic to get ourselves closer to the main season objective, which was not to suffer.

"The team have shown they are capable of going on good runs."