Valladolid, Spain — This Sunday, Real Valladolid go dey fight for more than just three points as dem prepare to face Getafe, seeking to break ten games without victory and avoid further sinking in the LaLiga table. Head coach Álvaro Rubio don rally him team to embrace the support of their fans to kickstart the much-needed turnaround.
With several key players facing injury and illness, the pressure dey high as dem approach the match. Rubio face dilemma as André Ferreira, Raúl Anuar, Kenedy, and Grillitsch dey struggle with various issues. The most concerning injury na the one wey involve goalkeeper Karl Hein, wey go miss at least six weeks due to injury. If Ferreira no fit recover in time, rookie Arnau Rafús go take the goalkeeping role again after him debut against Real Sociedad.
Suspensions don also add to the challenges as Javi Sánchez and David Torres no go fit play due to yellow card accumulation. Rubio go need to reshuffle him defense, with Aidoo and Cömert likely to step in to fill the gaps created by the absentees. In attack, Marcos André don return to full training, offering a glimmer of hope for a team wey dey struggle for goals.
At the pre-match press conference, Rubio acknowledge the heavy weight of expectation but express confidence in his team’s ability to turn the tide. “The team know say win dey within our reach. This na great chance to reconnect with victory, especially for our fans. It get emotional value too,” he talk.
Rubio emphasize say matter no just dey about points on the table, as his players still dey motivated to bring joy to their supporters. “We want to give our fans joy. Dem don dey wait for this happiness, and we know say dem deserve am,” he add.
On the other side, Getafe, managed by José Bordalás, dey represent a formidable challenge as dem don find form in 2025. Rubio praise Bordalás’ tactical approach, noting, “He na coach wey I respect plenty. Him team dey clearly convey him ideas, and dem dey compete with strong identity.” He caution his team say they must avoid playing to Getafe’s rhythm. “If we allow dem dictate the game, we go lose. We need to establish our game plan and prevent dem from influencing our play. Getafe sabi capitalize on errors, so we must be careful,” he explain.
Rubio stress the importance of maintaining a compact and disciplined approach for the match. “We go need to stay united, well organized, and alert for second balls. This control go be vital for us to have chances,” he elaborate.
The possibility of adopting a more direct style with two strikers dey on the table, but despite recent injuries, Rubio dey believe say there still dey room to fight with available players. “Beyond the names, we need attitude. This na the fuel wey fit ignite a positive streak,” he conclude.
In their last game against Real Sociedad, Valladolid field four players from their youth academy, a bold move from Rubio despite the challenges. “I knew the risks, but I felt it was time to inject some fresh energy. It no work out as we wanted, but the message clear: nobody dey give up here,” he assert.
With fans yearning for reasons to believe again, the clash against Getafe no be just another match; it na chance to demonstrate say this Valladolid team still get fight, courage, and talent to attempt the impossible. As the league stands, with 27 points still up for grabs, relegation no be finality, but rather a challenge to overcome.
