Diego Simeone has once again rebuilt and revitalised his Atletico de Madrid side and has them firmly placed in a thrilling three-way title race heading into the business end of the season.
What's more, Atleti are alive and kicking in the UEFA Champions League and in the Copa del Rey, where they face Getafe tonight for a place in the semi-finals. Having put their shock defeat to Leganes in mid-January behind them with four points from two La Liga games against Villarreal and Mallorca, and two crucial wins in Europe, Simeone's side will be confident of securing safe passage to the next round tonight.
José Bordalás' Getafe side face their first real challenge in the cup this season, after drawing only lower league opposition on their road to the final eight. They will have one eye firmly on the league, in which their safety is by no means guaranteed.
Four games unbeaten in the league have lifted them to three points above the drop zone, and they will surely be more focused on continuing that form than going further in this, but a win against one of the giants of Spanish football would also be great for their momentum and confidence.
Atletico Madrid vs Getafe Team News
The only injury concern for the hosts is Javi Galan, who is out with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be unable to call on Allan Nyom, who is missing due to a muscular issue.
Atletico Madrid vs Getafe Possible Lineups
With the Madrid derby on the horizon this weekend, and the stakes higher than ever for that match, El Cholo will surely rotate his squad.
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Azpilicueta, Le Normand, Witsel, Mandava; Simeone, Gallagher, Koke, Lino; Sorloth, Correa
Getafe could opt to bring former Real Madrid star Borja Mayoral into the starting lineup for this one after he came off the bench and looked lively against Sevilla last time out. The visitors, like their opponents, will have one eye on this weekend's league action and could rest some key players to prioritise their top-flight survival.
Getafe Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Soria; Iglesias, Duarte, Berrocal, Rico; Sola, Alena, Arambarri, da Costa; Juanmi, Borja Mayoral
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Atletico Madrid vs Getafe Prediction
Both teams will probably rotate a little, but not too much. Of course, they both have reasons to prioritise the league right now, but a cup quarter-final is never not a big deal. Getafe have proven themselves quite resolute defensively and they should hold out for quite a while before Simeone's men eventually make the breakthrough and secure a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Getafe
A cup quarter-final is always worth watching, and Atletico are a brilliant team to watch this season, so this match has got it all.
Fans in the UK can watch Atletico Madrid vs Getafe via live stream on bet365. Meanwhile, the match is available on ESPN+ in the USA.
