Getafe vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Crunch time for Atletico - Dominguez

Posted Wednesday, March 02, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid defender Alvaro Dominguez believes the coming days could determine whether the Rojiblancos return to Europe next season, with Wednesday's visit to local rivals Getafe followed by Saturday's clash against Villarreal.

Atletico are currently eighth in the Primera Division standings on 34 points and only four points adrift of Athletic Bilbao and the Europa League spots.

A good week for Quique Sanchez Flores' men should push them closer to a top-six finish, although it is unlikely to be easy with 10th-placed Getafe only two points behind and fighting for the same goal, while Villarreal are fourth and battling to get into the Champions League.

Dominguez admits it could be a decisive spell for the club.

He said: "That's for certain. We have two games in few days that could decide the future of the team. We're aware of that and we're going to give everything."

Atletico had another tricky match last Saturday, playing another European hopeful in Sevilla.

Sanchez Flores' men twice trailed in that match but hit back to salvage a draw that keeps them one point and one place behind Sevilla, who like Atletico have underachieved this season.

Dominguez said: "We deserved the victory but in the end came away with a draw. All things considered, if we beat Getafe, that draw would not be a bad result."

Getafe go into the derby having slipped down the standings after taking a disappointing two points from a possible nine against sides in the bottom half of the table - Malaga, Racing Santander and Hercules.

Looking ahead to Wednesday's showdown, veteran Getafe playmaker Javi Casquero said: "Atletico are an opponent to respect. With `Kun' (Sergio Aguero), (Diego) Forlan and (Jose Antonio) Reyes, they pack a good punch. They can win a game at any moment.

"They deserve all our respect, but they are a side that we've already beaten at the Coliseum.

"It's a very important game for us. We are coming off two draws and a defeat and we want a victory."