Rayo Vallecano vs Getafe preview - Franco targets repeat at Rayo
Posted Sunday, May 10, 2015 by PA
Getafe coach Pablo Franco is keeping his fingers crossed that his side can get another vital win at Rayo Vallecano on Monday to secure Primera Division safety.
It is not unfamiliar territory for Franco's side after they won 2-1 at rivals Rayo on the final day of last season to guarantee their survival.
Getafe are without a win since a 1-0 triumph at Elche on April 9 and have collected just one point since to drop to 14th place, five points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining.
Last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Granada was Getafe's fourth straight loss.
"It's very difficult to clinch points at this stage of the campaign," Franco said to the Spanish press. "But I prefer to focus on the positives.
"We are very close to achieving our aim.
"Last year Vallecas proved our lucky charm and we hope it will be the same this time around and we can retain our Primera Division status there."
Getafe have struggled at both ends of the pitch, conceding 13 goals and scoring just one in their last four matches.
"We need to be more focused than in previous games," Franco said. "We need to show a lot of intensity and be solid defensively."
Rayo have already guaranteed themselves another season in La Liga.
The Vallecas outfit has 43 points in the bank and go into the clash 12th in the standings.
But Rayo have won just one of their last six league games and have drawn their last two, including a 1-1 result at Espanyol last time out.
However, Paco Jemez's men have been strong at home, winning five and losing just one of their last six games in Vallecas.
Other than last season's defeat, they have had the upper hand against Getafe in their recent meetings.
"You cannot focus on statistics," Jemez said. "The fact that we have won six of the seven games against them doesn't mean we will win this one.
"We respect Getafe and expect a difficult match."
Jemez will have to watch from the stands while serving the second game of a three-match touchline ban.
Rayo welcome back goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez and striker Leo Baptistao, who have both recovered from their respective injuries.
The hosts are without suspended defender Jorge Morcillo.
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