Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Laudrup hired
Sevilla FC beat Getafe CF in the cup final last season, and will start their quest for another silverware-strewn campaign against the same side on Saturday, fresh from taking the Spanish Super Cup with a stunning 6-3 aggregate win against champions Real Madrid CF. New Getafe coach Michael Laudrup, who replaced Madrid-bound Bernd Schuster, could not have wished for a tougher start.

Strength sapped
Juande Ramos's side looked set to challenge for the league title last season, but their exertions in the UEFA Cup - which they won for a second successive season - seemed to sap their strength in the closing stages. After finishing third, they are now battling for a UEFA Champions League place, leading 2-0 after the first leg of their third qualifying round tie against AEK Athens FC.

'Hungry for more'
"I would like Sevilla to be distracted by the euphoria of their Super Cup victory, but I don't think that will happen," said former FC Barcelona and Madrid star Laudrup as he looked ahead to Saturday. "Sevilla are hungry for more and don't underestimate anyone. The league is a tough competition and they can lose against any team. It's a difficult start for us, but we can't be afraid."

Getafe hopeful
Having lost a sheaf of players over the summer, the team from the south of Madrid reinforced with Nigerian striker Uche Ikechukwu, signed from RC Recreativo de Huelva, and Kepa Blanco, who will face his old club after a year on loan at West Ham United FC. "Sevilla are high in spirits after winning important titles, but we can't think about what happened in the Copa del Rey," said Kepa. "There will be a lot of pressure at their stadium, but we will make a big mistake if we go there looking for revenge. I think we will win 2-1."

Close call
Kepa may be alone in making that prediction, but the opening day derby game between Real and Club Atlético de Madrid may be a close call. Sunday sees the remaining Primera División sides in action, with Valencia CF - fourth placed last season - hosting Villarreal CF while deposed champions Barça will look to rally with an opening tie at Real Racing Club Santander.

http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=574814.html