Levante - Getafe preview - Contra wary before Levante trip

Posted Monday, December 08, 2014 by PA

Cosmin Contra is expecting a tough test at Levante as Getafe look to get back to winning ways in the Primera Division.

Contra's charges eased to a 3-0 victory over Eibar in the Copa del Rey on Friday, but prior to that they lost back-to-back La Liga matches.

They head into Monday's game at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia only two points and as many places above Levante and Contra is wary of their hosts under new boss Lucas Alcaraz.

"Levante are a very tough, organised team, we know that going there will not be easy," he said on Getafe's official website. "They have improved, so we will need to concentrate from the start and take our chances."

The Romanian coach was boosted by his side's return to goalscoring form in the cup, given that they had only managed to find the net three times in four matches beforehand.

Contra highlighted how the introduction of Pedro Leon and Alvaro Vazquez added impetus off the bench so he may choose to start them at Levante.

Leon and Vazquez both came on at 0-0 in the second half before Getafe put Eibar to the sword - with Vazquez getting on the scoresheet.

"The entry of Pedro and Alvaro helped a lot (against Eibar). The input of both did much. Alvaro created spaces for other colleagues and everything was easier. That will make people take confidence," Contra told Marca.

Alcaraz, who took over at Levante in late October, had seen his side go on a three-match unbeaten run before losing at Espanyol last week.

He may choose to restore striker Rafael Martins to the starting line-up after he made it through 72 minutes on his comeback from a three-month lay off in the cup draw with Albacete on Friday.

"Every single game is important to us, although it is true that some may end up being more significant when it comes to working out who amongst your rivals has earned the most points," Alcaraz told AS.com.

"Getafe are a team that do well away from home, they've got a big squad and a fast team. We have to think about being the best version of ourselves when we go up against them."