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La Liga

Deportivo La Coruna defender Alberto Lopo has dismissed criticism of Getafe and predicted a difficult game at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Depor's fine start to the season has stuttered in recent weeks. They could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to local rivals Sporting Gijon last Sunday while they were hammered 4-0 at Valladolid before that.

Those setbacks came after a four-match winning run which had raised hopes in Galicia of a challenge for a European place.

Inconsistent Getafe were woeful in losing at 10-man Real Madrid last time out - a performance which drew plenty of condemnation after they were handed a man advantage by the 28th-minute dismissal of Spain defender Raul Albiol - but Lopo realises they are no soft touch.

He said: "Getafe have a very good team and I can't understand the criticism they have received or the accusations of being easy to beat.

"They have an experienced defence and some very good players. They are going to be very difficult."

Lopo was frustrated by Depor's failure to see off Sporting but remains hopeful they can get back to winning ways tomorrow.

"The result the other day annoyed us all but we played well, it was a good performance," he said.

"The final result was not satisfactory, however, and we want to get back to where we were against Getafe."

Getafe boss Michel has demanded his side display the intensity which has led them to three wins from four home games this season.

"It ought to be a tremendous game," he said. "And if my players play at the level they usually do at home then the points will stay here."

The former Spain midfielder admitted last week's defeat at the Bernabeu was a "blow" but insisted his side have responded well in training this week.

"We have tried to restore some order this week and it has worked pretty well," he said. "We hope to play well against Deportivo."

Michel has a great deal of admiration for the work carried out by Lotina at the Riazor.

He added: "Lotina's team this year is different to that we have seen in previous years.

"They are very stable, very compact and play in a clear way. They are not easy to surprise but they will not surprise you."

Getafe have won four and lost five of their nine games so far but the disappointing defeats - such as losing at Real Mallorca and Real Zaragoza - have been offset by wins against Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna.