Belenguer geared up for Getafe decider

Experienced Getafe CF defender David Belenguer is calling for calm heads as FC Bayern München visit the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez with their UEFA Cup quarter-final locked at 1-1.

Contra strike
Luca Toni's first-half strike had put Bayern in charge in Munich last week but they could not manage another goal and Cosmin Contra's 90th-minute equaliser has given the European debutants a great chance against a club with six major UEFA trophies in their cabinet. But for Belenguer, who missed the first leg through injury, there is a long way to go before Getafe can prepare for a semi-final against either FC Zenit St. Petersburg or Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Opportunity
"We're talking about coming through a game that could see us reach the semi-finals," the 35-year-old said. "They are coming here to win while we will be looking to finish the job we started in Munich. This is our opportunity to play against one of the world's great teams and to achieve something beautiful for our fans, so we can't just close our eyes and start dreaming. We have to keep our feet on the ground."

Winning mentality
Thanks to Contra's away goal, a 0-0 scoreline would suffice for Getafe on Thursday. However, Belenguer – who, like the side from the Madrid suburbs, is enjoying his first UEFA competition campaign – insists they will not rest on their advantage. "We need to think about scoring one more than they do, that's what we'll be playing for," he promised. "The way we can win is by staying true to our own style. We have to play with humility but also with a lot of hope."

Big games
Getafe's dream European season has already taken in wins against Bayern's fellow former UEFA trophy winners RSC Anderlecht, Tottenham Hotspur FC and SL Benfica, and they also have a second successive Copa del Rey final to look forward to against Valencia CF on 16 April. For now, though, Bayern are all that matters. "We've been asked on many occasions if this is the biggest match in Getafe's history," Belenguer said. "That's a good thing. If we're continuing to answer questions like that, it means we're continuing to get better. The Bayern game is one that will have its own story." His prediction: an emotional night in front of a sell-out crowd. "There will be a truly special atmosphere. Seeing the famous Bayern shirts emerging from the tunnel at the Coliseum will be really something."