Getafe vs. Ath. Bilbao: All you need to know about the thrilling European battle | La Liga Review & Guide

When the ball starts rolling on Sunday night at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Matchday 30 of La Liga is all about an honest, hard-fought battle. It's a fight for survival – and at the same time, for a massive prize. Let me tell you straight: this Getafe vs. Ath. Bilbao clash is an absolute powder keg in the middle of the Spanish league table. Both clubs have exactly 38 points on the board. That's the setup for an evening that, for us here in New Zealand, delivers one thing above all: pure, unfiltered, heart-and-soul football.

The Review: Two worlds collide

Let's have a quick look at form. Getafe, under the ever-crafty tactical fox José Bordalás, are on a serious roll. Five wins from their last seven matches – including a rock-solid 2-1 away victory at Espanyol. The Madrid side are as defensively tight as a maximum-security wing, conceding on average less than a goal per game. But here's the big but: their attack often has no teeth.

On the other side, the Basques. Athletic Bilbao bounced back from a small dip before the international break with a 2-1 win over Betis. Coaching legend Ernesto Valverde is set to bow out in the summer – and what a way to go! He wants the Europa League. The problem? Their away form hasn't been smooth lately. But the quality on the counter-attack with the Williams brothers? World class.

The ultimate guide to understanding this match

For anyone wondering how to use getafe – ath. bilbao properly: it's all about patience. This kind of game is not for the faint-hearted. Here are the key ingredients for your match analysis:

• Bilbao's history: Athletic have a stranglehold over Getafe. In the last 12 meetings, the Lions have lost only twice. At the Coliseum, they've even won their last two visits 2-0. That's deep in the bones.
• The Mayoral factor: Getafe's striker Borja Mayoral is the man for the cold moments. If Getafe want to win, they'll need his finishing power.
• Nico's magic: Fresh back from a groin injury – Nico Williams is the joker who can unlock any defence. Valverde is easing him in, but I'd put my hand on the fire that he'll come off the bench and have the decisive moment.

Tactical breakdown: Pressing vs. Possession

Bordalás will again line up with a concrete wall of five defenders. Getafe's injury and suspension list is long: Abqar, Femenia and Nyom are all out suspended. That leaves huge gaps. Athletic will attack with a 4-2-3-1. Iñaki Williams will try to constantly find the spaces out wide. My tip: the first half will be as tough as old boots, but after the break, it'll kick off.

By the way: if you're looking for a genuine getafe – ath. bilbao review that goes behind the scenes – the key lies in the holding midfield positions. Luis Milla for Getafe against Ruiz de Galarreta for Bilbao – whoever dominates the middle controls the rhythm. Both teams have the punch for Europe, but tonight it's first about that honourable spot in mid-table. For us viewers, that means: kick-off at 9pm CET (Swiss time), get the chips ready, and enjoy.

The prediction for Matchday 30

I see Athletic Bilbao as slight favourites. The Basques are more varied in attack, and Getafe are missing too many regulars to keep up that high tempo for 90 minutes. But: an early goal for Bordalás' men could completely derail the Basque plan. In the end, it'll be a fight by hook or by crook. I'm saying: a scoring draw.

No matter how it ends – we're going to see a real battle of men. And that's exactly why we love this sport.