Getafe vs Atletico Madrid preview - Juanfran targets winning run-in

Posted Sunday, April 07, 2013 by PA

Juanfran wants Atletico Madrid to win all nine of their remaining games as he targets second place in the Primera Division.

With Atletico taking on city rivals Real on April 28, a 100% record will see the former claim the runners-up spot behind champions-elect Barcelona.

They currently sit third in La Liga, a point behind Real, following last weekend's draw with Valencia.

On Sunday they take on Getafe who will be looking to improve on last week's goalless draw with Real Betis as they target a European spot.

Juanfran told reporters: "This squad is psyched to win all the remaining games, we want to be as high as possible and all of us want to defeat Getafe on Sunday.

"What is certain is that if we win the last nine league games, we finish second."

Getafe enjoyed a 3-2 win in the corresponding fixture last season with a late Diego Castro penalty despite being down to 10 men for all but 28 minutes.

Juanfran, though, refused to dwell on it, saying: "The past is past.

"It is best not to think about the bad times and that was one of them.

"Getafe are a great team with good players and a great coach, I am sure they will make things difficult.

"Sunday is about the best of Atletico and I am convinced that we will win."

Getafe coach Luis Garcia acknowledged Atletico's prowess, underlining their physical strength, but he is adamant his side can claim victory.

He said: "Physically, they are the best team in the league after Real Madrid.

"I'm not talking about running, I speak of strength.

"We have to be very prepared, very focused on quick movement and ready to combat direct play.

"We're eighth...we have to stay together hand in hand to keep dreaming.

"We face a very good team, are third and have two of the best pair of strikers in the league by far."