The 2021-22 La Liga season will begin on Friday evening, with Valencia, who finished down in 13th spot in Spain’s top flight last term, welcoming Getafe to Mestalla.
Valencia’s struggles last term saw them post their lowest position since the 1987-88 campaign, while Getafe also found it difficult to show their best form last season and ultimately finished down in 15th.
There is no getting away from the fact that 2020-21 was a disappointing season for Valencia, with 13th position representing their worst performance at this level of football since finishing 14th in 1987-88.
Los Che lost 15 of their 38 league matches last term, and the club’s financial problems mean that it has been a very quiet summer transfer window, which could equal another frustrating season.
Omar Alderete has arrived on loan from Hertha Berlin, but the overwhelming positive is that the six-time Spanish champions have managed to keep hold of their star players, and there is no question that the team underperformed last term considering the quality in their ranks.
Jose Bordalas was appointed Valencia’s head coach in May, signing a two-year contract, and the 57-year-old impressed during his five years at Getafe, but this is unquestionably his biggest challenge to date.
Los Che’s home form last term was relatively strong, picking up 31 points from 19 matches, but they had the second-worst away record in last season’s La Liga and will be determined to improve on that in 2021-22
Getafe, meanwhile, will also have been disappointed with their performance in La Liga last term, as a total of 38 points from 38 matches left them in 15th spot, just four points outside of the relegation zone.
The capital side only returned to Spain’s top flight in 2017 but had claimed eighth, fifth and eighth in their three seasons back at this level of football before dropping down to 15th last term.
Michel has returned to Getafe for a second spell as head coach, and the former Real Madrid midfielder has been busy during this summer’s transfer window in terms of recruitment.
Carles Alena, Sandro Ramirez, Stefan Mitrovic, Dario Poveda, Diego Conde, Vitolo and Jose Macias have all arrived either on permanently deals or on loan, but there have also been notable departures in the shape of Francisco Portillo, Angel Rodriguez and Xabi Etxeita.
The Madrid-based outfit found it difficult on their travels last term, picking up just 13 points, but they should enter this match in good confidence, as a productive pre-season has seen them win all six of their friendlies, including a 2-0 success over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Valencia pre-season form:
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Getafe pre-season form:
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