Getafe CF vs Athletic Club: A Comprehensive Preview of the LaLiga 2024-25 Season Opener

The 2024-25 LaLiga season is set to kick off with an exciting evening match between Athletic Club, commonly known as Athletic Bilbao, and Getafe CF. This opening fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to start their campaigns on a high note. Athletic Bilbao had a remarkable season last year, finishing fifth in the league and securing a spot in the Europa League. Their success was further highlighted by a historic victory in the Copa del Rey final, ending a 40-year wait for the prestigious trophy. On the other hand, Getafe CF concluded the previous season in 12th place, a respectable position but one they will undoubtedly aim to improve upon this year.

Athletic Bilbao’s fifth-place finish in LaLiga last season was a testament to their consistent performances throughout the campaign. Accumulating 68 points, they showcased a balanced blend of solid defense and effective attack. Their Copa del Rey triumph added a silver lining to their season, bringing joy to their passionate fanbase. As they prepare for the new season, breaking into the top four remains a significant objective for the Basque club. Achieving this would mark their best league finish since the 2013-14 season. The summer transfer window has seen Athletic Bilbao make strategic additions to their squad, with Andoni Gorosabel and Alvaro Djalo being notable signings. However, retaining the services of key player Nico Williams, who was linked with a move to Barcelona, stands out as their most crucial accomplishment.

Preseason preparations for Athletic Bilbao have been a mixed bag, with three wins and four defeats in seven friendly matches. While these results may not fully reflect their potential, they provide valuable insights into the team’s readiness for competitive action. The absence of their top goalkeeper, Unai Simon, due to injury, is a significant blow. Simon played a pivotal role last season, featuring in 36 matches and representing Spain in major international tournaments. His recovery from wrist surgery means that Julen Agirrezabala will likely step up between the posts. Agirrezabala’s record includes five shutouts in 13 starts, and his performance will be closely watched as he aims to fill Simon’s shoes.

Getafe CF, under the management of José Bordalás, finished last season with 43 points, securing 12th place in the league. The team experienced several departures following the end of loan spells but has also made key signings to bolster their squad. New additions such as Jiri Letacek, Alex Sola, Peter Federico, Chrisantus Uche, and Carles Perez are expected to make their debuts in the upcoming match. Diego Rico, who had a successful loan spell last season, has returned to the club, adding depth to their defensive options. Despite these reinforcements, Getafe’s preseason results have been less than encouraging, and they will need to find their rhythm quickly to challenge Athletic Bilbao effectively.

The head-to-head record between these two teams favors Athletic Bilbao, with Getafe failing to secure a victory in their last eight encounters (six draws and two losses). This statistic could play on the minds of Getafe’s players as they seek to break this winless streak. However, football is unpredictable, and Getafe will be determined to turn the tide in their favor. One of their main concerns is the fitness of Borja Mayoral, who is recovering from a knee injury and remains questionable for the opening match. His presence on the field could significantly impact Getafe’s attacking capabilities.

Athletic Bilbao’s home record last season was formidable, with 12 wins, six draws, and only one loss at San Mamés. This stronghold will be crucial as they host Getafe in the season opener. The atmosphere at San Mamés is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of competitive football. The support from the stands often acts as the 12th man for Athletic Bilbao, providing them with an added advantage. The team’s goal-scoring prowess, led by Inaki Williams, who has netted 76 goals in his career, will be pivotal in breaking down Getafe’s defense.

From a betting perspective, Athletic Bilbao are the clear favorites, with odds of -250, while Getafe are the underdogs at +700. A draw is priced at +310, and the over/under for total goals scored is set at 2.5. Soccer betting expert Jon Eimer, known for his extensive knowledge and profitable betting record, highlights the importance of considering various factors before placing wagers. Eimer’s analysis suggests that bettors should look at the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking potential of both teams and the absence of key defensive players like Unai Simon.

Dimers’ proven LaLiga model, which uses machine learning and data analysis, predicts a 61.6% chance of an Athletic Bilbao victory, a 14.7% chance for Getafe, and a 23.8% chance of a draw. These simulations provide a data-driven perspective on the likely outcomes of the match. According to Dimers, the most probable final scores are 1-0, 1-1, and 2-1 in favor of Athletic Bilbao. The model also indicates a 58% chance of the total score staying under 2.5 goals, suggesting a potentially tight contest despite the attacking talent on display.

Getafe’s defensive statistics from last season reveal some vulnerabilities, with 54 goals conceded and a save percentage of 71.7%. Their clean sheet percentage stood at 26.3%, indicating that they struggled to keep opponents at bay consistently. David Soria, Getafe’s goalkeeper, has a respectable record with 80 clean sheets in his career, but he will need to be at his best to thwart Athletic Bilbao’s attacking threats. Soria’s experience and shot-stopping abilities will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

The tactical battle between the two managers, Ernesto Valverde of Athletic Bilbao and José Bordalás of Getafe, will be intriguing to watch. Valverde’s approach focuses on possession-based football and quick transitions, while Bordalás is known for his organized and disciplined defensive setups. The contrasting styles of play will add another layer of excitement to the encounter. Both managers will need to make strategic decisions regarding team selection and in-game adjustments to gain the upper hand.

As the new LaLiga season begins, the stakes are high for both Athletic Bilbao and Getafe. For Athletic Bilbao, a strong start could set the tone for a successful campaign, potentially challenging for a top-four finish and another deep run in the Copa del Rey. Getafe, meanwhile, will aim to build on their mid-table finish from last season and push for a higher position in the standings. The return of fans to stadiums adds an extra dimension to the competition, with the passionate supporters creating an electrifying atmosphere that can influence the players’ performances.

In conclusion, the opening match of the 2024-25 LaLiga season between Athletic Bilbao and Getafe CF promises to be a captivating contest. With both teams having made significant changes to their squads and aiming for improved performances, the stage is set for an exciting encounter. Athletic Bilbao’s strong home record and recent successes make them the favorites, but Getafe’s determination and new signings could spring a surprise. Football fans around the world will be eagerly watching as the new season unfolds, and this match serves as a perfect curtain-raiser for what promises to be a thrilling LaLiga campaign.