Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe preview - Michel looking to make amends

Posted Saturday, May 05, 2012 by PA

Getafe midfielder Michel is determined that he and his team-mates must atone for a poor recent run and make a late dash for Europa League qualification.

The club from the Madrid suburbs are 12th in the standings but only four points shy of the European qualification places in a congested Primera Division table.

They make the trip north to take on Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, against a side who may find themselves distracted by next week's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid in Bucharest and the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on May 25.

Getafe have won only one of their last five games, and former Birmingham midfielder Michel told his club's official website www.getafecf.com: "We now have two games to improve the image of our season. The game against Racing Santander (on Tuesday) was not our day, we had our chances.

"This year we have had to fight for everything but we are happy with how our season has gone, there are lots of teams who would like to be in our position.

"Everyone wants to reach the top, the Europa League is a target for every player."

Athletic go into the game having lost their last two league matches, and cannot now qualify for the Champions League as they trail fourth-placed Malaga by seven points with two games to go.

Getafe welcome back Miguel Torres from injury while Pedro Rios returns after missing the last two games on paternity leave. Rafa Lopez and Juan Valera are suspended.