Levante vs Getafe preview - Caparros issues rallying cry

Posted Friday, April 18, 2014 by PA

Levante coach Joaquin Caparros has called on the club's fans to pack out the Ciutat de Valencia for the visit of third-bottom Getafe on Saturday as his team look to secure their Primera Division status for another year.

Nine points separate the sides and a home win will see Levante move on to 43 points, making it all but impossible for them to go down.

The club have announced they will pay for supporters to make the journey to Elche the following week, which they hope will be when they can mathematically celebrate their survival.

"On Saturday we are playing a vital game, and so I ask the fans to come down to the stadium - we need them - and we will also pay for them to travel with us to our next league game at Elche," the coach told the club's official radio station.

Club captain Juanfran added: "We have a cup final on Saturday. We've spent a lot of time working hard every day so we can achieve our objective, which we can finally do on Saturday. We are counting on your presence and your encouragement."

Momo Sissoko and Andreas Ivanschitz have been ruled out of the game despite returning to training following short lay-offs, while Nikos Karabelas is suspended.

Getafe defender Sergio Escudero insists his team are still hopeful of avoiding the drop, meanwhile.

Cosmin Contra's side make the trip keen to compensate for their 2-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid the previous weekend and the 1-0 reverse at Elche the week before.

"I think the team are very keen for the game to come around so we can demonstrate what we have been working on this week," Escudero told reporters.

Getafe occupy the final spot in the relegation zone, but are only one point behind 17th-placed Real Valladolid.

"We are all optimistic and very keen to win the game," Escudero added, rubbishing the suggestion Levante will take it easy considering they are on the brink of guaranteeing survival.

"No team is going to start relaxing now, whether they are safe from relegation or not. We have to go out on to the pitch with enthusiasm, intensity and the knowledge that everything is at stake."

Angel Lafita is suspended following his red card against Atletico, while Escudero and Jaime Gavilan are doubtful.