FRIDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN: ESPANYOL'S HOME FORTRESS FACES GETAFE'S AWAY DAY SPECIALISTS

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RCD Espanyol - Getafe CF April 18, 2025

RCDE Stadium will host an intriguing LaLiga clash this Friday night as Espanyol's impressive home form comes up against Getafe's remarkable away record in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with contrasting fortunes on the road.

The Periquitos enter the match riding a nine-game unbeaten streak at home in LaLiga (3 wins, 6 draws), the second-longest current run in the competition behind only Athletic Club (13 games). This fortress-like mentality at RCDE Stadium has been particularly evident in matches against Getafe, with Espanyol undefeated in their last seven home league encounters against the Madrid-based club (5 wins, 2 draws).

What makes those five victories even more impressive is that Espanyol kept a clean sheet in each one, establishing their longest home winning run against Getafe in top-flight history. However, the visitors did claim a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and will be looking to complete their first league double over Espanyol since the 2005/06 campaign.

Getafe arrive in Catalonia as one of Europe's most formidable away teams in 2025. José Bordalás' side have secured six away victories this calendar year – a tally matched only by Paris Saint-Germain among clubs in Europe's top five leagues. This remarkable form on their travels has been key to Getafe's push for European qualification.

Friday night fixtures have historically favored the visitors. While Espanyol have won just one of their last six Friday home games in LaLiga (2 draws, 3 losses), Getafe have collected points in five of their last six away matches played on this day (1 win, 4 draws, 1 loss).

The tactical approach of both teams makes for an interesting contrast. This match will feature two of the three teams with the lowest possession percentages in LaLiga this season – Espanyol (37.8%) and Getafe (42%) – with only Leganés (41.5%) separating them. Both sides are comfortable without the ball, setting up what could be a cagey affair where counter-attacking efficiency will be crucial.

Getafe's direct style is reflected in their passing statistics – they have the lowest pass success rate among teams in Europe's top five leagues this season both overall (70.4%) and in their own half (83.7%), while only Italy's Empoli have a worse record in the opposition half than Getafe's 62.9%.

Individual performers could prove decisive in this tactical chess match. Ramón Terrats has been Getafe's away-day hero, scoring four of their last six goals on the road in LaLiga. This impressive return has placed him in elite company, becoming only the fourth Getafe player to score multiple away braces in a single top-flight campaign after Veljko Paunovic in 2005/06 (3), Riki in 2005/06 (2) and Roberto Soldado in 2009/10 (2).

For the hosts, Javi Puado has emerged as a creative force this season with three assists in 29 LaLiga appearances – matching his total from his previous three seasons in the competition combined (three assists in 82 appearances).

Getafe coach José Bordalás has won his last two games against Espanyol in all competitions after failing to win any of his previous six (4 draws, 2 losses). However, he has never secured three consecutive victories against the Periquitos, adding another intriguing subplot to Friday's encounter.

With both teams eager to solidify their positions in the table as the season enters its final stretch, this clash between Espanyol's home resilience and Getafe's away day prowess promises to deliver an absorbing contest at RCDE Stadium.

We thank OPTA for providing the statistical data. Photo: source XYZ