Sunday 20 November 2011

Sporting Gijón 2-1 Getafe: Late heartbreaker keeps Geta in trouble

0-1 Miku 34'
1-1 Trejo 45+5'
2-1 Novo 89'

Ten-man visitors can't hold their nerve in exciting clash...
... A match full of cards saw referee Turienzo Álvarez take centre stage...

Despite taking an early lead at the tough arena that is the Molinón, Getafe once again left an away match empty-handed after suffering late goals at the end of each half in a 2-1 defeat.

An eventful match had referee Turienzo Álvarez dish out no fewer than ten yellow cards. Eight of these to the visitors, including two to Abdel Barrada.

However, the whistler also missed a stonewall penalty for Sporting just before the half-time break, mitigating somewhat his fastidiousness elsewhere.

With Geta having a strong top-flight record against the Asturian outfit both sides sought to attack from the outset, with Sporting using the flanks well as Geta pushed their full-backs forward.

The first side to draw blood was Getafe, though, with Miku's skills in the box justifying his selection ahead of Dani Güiza as he fired home from 15 yards and a narrow angle.

The visitors then tried their best to hold on until half time and, despite a game-ending injury for Miguel Torres, seemed to have done so when Álvarez inexplicably missed a clear handball in the box from Cata Díaz.

But Sporting enjoyed a karmic boost as they equalised right at the end of stoppage time, Óscar Trejo burying it from the edge of the area when Miguel Moyà was caught off his line after a corner.

The second half once again saw much attacking from both team, with neither happy with the idea of a draw. Sporting were given an advantage in their quest on the hour mark when Abdel Barrada deservedly picked up a second booking for a clear dive in the box.

From there the game was largely even, but numerical superiority paid off right at the death as substitute Nacho Novo pounced on a Moyà parry to head home from close range and seal victory for the Rojiblancos.

Getafe finish the weekend on 10 points, two behind their hosts, and depending on results elsewhere could yet end up in the dropzone ahead of the home match with champions Barcelona next weekend.

Sporting: Juan Pablo, Damián, Botía, Iván Hernández, Canella, Rivera (Sangoy 63), Nacho Cases (Eguren 84), Óscar Trejo (Nacho Novo 81), André Castro, De las Cuevas, Barral.

Getafe: Moyà, Miguel Torres (Sarabia 43), Cata, Rafa, Mané, Míchel, Lacen, Valera, Diego Castro (Juan Rodríguez 71), Abdel Barrada, Miku (Güiza 86).
Red card: Abdel 61' (second yellow)

Sunday 6 November 2011

Getafe 3-2 Atlético Madrid: Ten-man hosts edge spectacular local derby

0-1 Falcao (pen.) 29'
1-1 Abdel 40'
2-1 Míchel 48'
2-2 Domínguez 80'
3-2 Diego Castro (pen.) 82'

A fraught encounter shows that Luis García's men never want for bravery...
... Despite suffering a goal then a player deficit, the Azulones pulled off a famous win...

Getafe came from a goal behind and then a man down to win 3-2 in dramatic circumstances against local rivals Atlético Madrid in the south-side derby on Sunday night.

Starting the weekend bottom of the table, the team in blue seemed set for yet another crushing defeat, but found reserves of strength, guile and audacity as their wealthier neighbours were sent packing from the Coliseum.

However, the evening did not start well. The hosts' then-lack of confidence was clear as Atleti were able to launch wave after wave of attacks on the home goal in the opening stages.

Just before the half hour mark their pressure paid off, Arda putting Diego through in the box; a clumsy challenge from Alberto Lopo saw the ex-Depor man sent off and the visitors awarded a penalty. Falcao duly put it away to give the Rojiblancos a deserved lead.

But ten minutes later Getafe, despite being a man down, grabbed an equaliser. Young starlet Abdel Barrada struck his first Liga goal in spectacular fashion, powering a dipping free-kick past Thibaut Courtois to send the teams into the half time break level at 1-1.

Against all the odds Getafe took a 2-1 lead just after the interval. Diego Castro was brought down on the left flank; Abdel whipped in the resulting free-kick, where Míchel was waiting to head in across goal at the near post.

Blue hearts seemed to be broken yet again this season as Álvaro Domínguez leveled the scores ten minutes from time following a wicked deflection off Juan Valera.

But when Arda Turan gave away a penalty, Diego Castro stood up to once more give ten-man Geta an unlikely lead with eight minutes to go.

From there it was end-to-end action, with Geta coach Luis García beside himself on the touchline as the minutes ticked down, 'keeper Miguel Moyá being called upon more than once to punch away deep crosses.

Yet the hosts held on and picked up just their second win of the season in the most extraordinary of circumstances.

Such a morale-boosting win notwithstanding, the Coliseum outfit remain very much in trouble with just 10 points from a possible 33. Getafe face a visit to Gijón after the international week to meet fellow strugglers Sporting in a relegation six-pointer.

Is this the result that will kick-start Getafe's season?

Getafe: Moyà; Varela (Miguel Torres 87), Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Míchel, Lacen; Pedro Ríos (Rafa 33), Abdel, Diego Castro; Dani Güiza (Miku 51),
Sent off: Lopo 28' (professional foul)


Atlético Madrid: Courtois; Antonio López (Salvio 69), Godín (Miranda 46), Domínguez, Felipe Luis; Gabi, Tiago (Koke 57); Adrián, Diego, Arda Turan; Falcao.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Valencia 3-1 Getafe: Draw streak ends with merited loss at Mestala

1-0 Feghouli 12'
1-1 Diego Castro 24'
2-1 Feghouli 26'
3-1 Aduriz 75'

Sofiane Feghouli masterclass puts Geta on the back foot...
... In a game of few chances the visitors deserved nothing and got it...

Getafe's poor record at the Mestalla showed no signs of abating on Saturday evening as hosts Valencia strolled to an easy win over their visitors.

A wonderful performance from dynamic midfielder Sofiane Feghouli saw Geta outfought and outthought, despite their managing to equalise early on in what proved to be a sedate yet one-sided contest.

Feghouli gave Valencia the lead after 12 minutes, firing home a bouncing effort from the edge of the box after good work from Éver Banega down the right flank.

Geta leveled with their first attack of the game midway through the half, Juan Valera's cross being tipped on by Dani Güiza for Diego Castro to flick home from close range.

But barely had the visiting fans time to sit down before Valencia were back in front. That man Feghouli was at it again with another fierce drive to give los Che a lead that they would not then surrender.

Despite enjoying the best of the game it took substitute Aritz Aduriz until 15 minutes from time to put the result beyond doubt. The Basque forward made no mistake from Éver Banega's through pass and sentenced Getafe to their 10th game without a win this season.

This match saw the start of a reasonably tough run of matches for Geta that continues with the derby against Atlético Madrid next weekend at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.

For that fixture, much like this one, Getafe must do without Pedro León, who is out for a month and a half after undergoing knee surgery.

Valencia: Guaita; Miguel, Rami, Víctor Ruiz, Mathieu; Albelda, Banega; Pablo Hernández, Jonas (Piatti 76), Feghouli (Jordi Alba 55); Soldado (Aduriz 61).

Getafe: Moyà; Miguel Torres (Miku 61), Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Rubén Pérez (Lacen 46), Míchel; Valera, Abdel, Diego Castro; Güiza.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Getafe 2-2 Osasuna: Güiza goals can't prevent another draw

0-1 Ibra 7'
1-1 Güiza 62'
1-2 Ibra 66'
2-2 Güiza 75'

Dani Güiza off the mark, but Geta make it four without a win...
... Third consecutive draw at least sees the Azulones rack up much-needed goals...

Dani Güiza's first goals since returning to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez twice saw Getafe come from behind to secure a point against an Osasuna side who remain four points clear of their Wednesday hosts.

Seven minutes in, Getafe's relegation struggles looked set to continue as Ibrahim 'Ibra' Balde netted his first goal in Osasuna colours, his innocuous-looking header from a Raúl García cross somehow snaking past home 'keeper Miguel Moyà.

Getafe looked by far the better side for the remainder of the first period, with on-form Miku and Diego Castro both passing up fine opportunities. Home coach Luis García, tiring of missed chances, opted to bring on striker Dani Güiza seven minutes after the break in place of Pedro Ríos.

This change paid dividends after just five minutes as the Euro 2008 winner hit his 21st league goal for Geta to kick-start his second spell at the club. After seeing his header blocked by Sergio, Güiza unleashed a rocket goalwards from the edge of the area to level the score.

Four minutes after that Osasuna were ahead again, Ibra once more proving the culprit with a header. This time his effort was superb and had Moyà - as well as marker Cata Díaz - well beaten.

But Güiza came to the rescue a quarter-hour from time with his second equaliser, heading in unmarked a Miguel Torres cross to secure a share of the spoils.

Getafe thus end the midweek round in 17th place, two clear of the three sides occupying the dropzone. A weekend visit to the Mestalla to face top-four Valencia now awaits the Madrid outfit, who are sorely in need of a second win.

Getafe: Moyà; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Rubén Pérez (Míchel 71), Lacen (Sarabía 71); Pedro Ríos (Güiza 52), Abdel, Diego Castro; Miku.

Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Lolo, Sergio, Raitala; Puñal, Nekounam, Raúl García (Timor 73); Álvaro Cejudo (Damiá 71), Nino, Ibra.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Real Sociedad 0-0 Getafe: Visitors on top, but no goals yet again

Another clean sheet, but lack of goal threat sees Geta fail to pick up the points...
... The hosts were favourites but saw less of the game than the Madrid side...

A dull and disappointing clash at Anoeta saw Getafe fail to take advantage of the inadequacy of Real Sociedad as this early season encounter ended in a 0-0 draw.

Geta 'keeper Miguel Moyà had scarcely a save to make, while the visitors' profligacy saw Carlos Bravo at the other end given a quieter afternoon than he perhaps merited.

Both Miku and Pedro León were unfortunate not to appear on the scoresheet but Getafe had only themselves to blame for their problems - and the continuation of their worrying start to the season.

Getafe return to the Coliseum to face Osasuna on Wednesday evening in their next Liga clash.

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Carlos Martínez, Demidov, Iñigo Martínez, De la Bella; Mariga, Zurutuza; Xabi Prieto (Cadamuro 82), Ifrán (Llorente 64), Griezmann; Agirretxe (Carlos Vela 75.)

Getafe: Moyà; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Lacen, Rubén Pérez; Pedro Ríos (Abdel 64), Diego Castro, Sarabía (Pedro León 70); Miku (Güiza 86).



Note: This report was published on 26 October due to vacation.

Saturday 15 October 2011

Getafe 0-0 Villarreal: A clean sheet, but no joy against off-form Yellow Submarine

Getafe can't take advantage of first-half pressure against struggling visitors...
... A nervy end to the match saw a draw as perhaps the fairest outcome...


The 0-0 scoreline at the Coliseum belied a spirited contest as Getafe and Villarreal battled to a 0-0 draw in La Liga. For both sides this was a missed opportunity to pick up much-needed points after a disappointing start to the season.

Dani Güiza seemed odds-on to net his first goal in his second spell in a Getafe shirt, but despite his energy and a host of chances in the first period he ended the half goalless.

Adrián Colunga was given a rare introduction in the second half, but the latter 45 was the story of Villarreal, who themselves passed up clear opportunities to grab a much-needed win.

Getafe's quest for points continues with a visit to the Basque Country to face Real Sociedad next weekend.

Getafe: Codina; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Rubén Pérez, Casquero (Míchel 71); Pedro Ríos, Sarabia, Diego Castro (Miku 87); Güiza (Colunga 55).


Villarreal: Diego López; Zapata, Gonzalo, Marchena, Catalá; Marcos Senna (Wakaso 46), Bruno; Borja Valero, De Guzmán (Joselu 81), Cani (Hernán Pérez 79); Rossi.


Note: This report was published on 26 October due to vacation.

Saturday 1 October 2011

Málaga 3-2 Getafe: Crazy second half sees ten-man Geta denied at the death yet again

0-1 Pedro León 56'
1-1 Van Nistelrooy 64'
1-2 Miku 75'
2-2 Maresca 88'
3-2 Julio Baptista 90+2'

Getafe can't hold their nerve as Málaga's late rally ends hopes of an upset...
... A thrilling second half sees the hosts manage a dramatic victory...

A match full of incident and controversy saw ten-man Getafe twice lose the lead to a diligent but largely unimaginative Málaga side at the Rosaleda, the hosts eventually running out 3-2 winners thanks to a spark of genius from Julio Baptista.

The big-spending coastal outfit were pre-match favourites but needed a one-man advantage and two late goals to secure a victory that, on the basis of their stature and start to the match, should have been assured. In this respect Geta made their work hard for them.

However, home fans may argue that the Azulones were lucky to be in the game for as long as they were. Referee Álvarez Izquierdo had a shocker, allowing a Geta goal that should have been ruled out, debatably missing penalties for both sides, and issuing a second booking to Mehdi Lacen amidst circumstances that suggested he'd long since lost control of the game.

After Málaga's strong start, Pedro León had a great shout for a penalty turned down after 17 minutes, and seconds later at the other end Julio Baptista had a better claim of his own similarly refused after a heavy challenge from Cata Díaz.

Geta were throughout under pressure deep in defence in the first half, with Cata Díaz oscilating between the frazzled and the firm. He and partner Alberto Lopo both picked up bookings for crunching challenges, betraying the pressure they were under.

But in fact Jordi Codina had relatively little to do: a couple of routine saves from low drives, and a few gathered, speculative crosses were the worst he had to contend with. Despite dominating possession, then, the Boquerones were unable to make the breakthrough.

Perhaps losing self-belief, Málaga slowed down early in the second period and were duly punished ten minutes after the break thanks to Pedro León. The prodigal son took a knock-down on his knee and teed up a volley that deflected slightly off Martín Demichelis and flew past the helpless Willy Caballero from 25 yards.

Geta's lead would prove to be short-lived as, despite some heroics on the goal-line from Cata Díaz, Ruud van Nistelrooy was able to bundle home a tap-in following Joaquín's out-swinging free kick from the right flank.

Referee Álvarez Izquierdo had all evening been flashing the cards in the direction of Getafe players but nonetheless had earned the ire of the Málaga faithful due to his seeming inability to spot a foul. Thus it seemed as the industrious Juan Varela barged his way down the flank before floating in a perfect cross for substitute Miku, who in turn launched the perfect header past Caballero.

At this point all hell went loose. Caballero claimed passionately for handball - and seeing the replay, he had a point. Miku connected with his head, certainly, but with his arm out the ball actually took a deflection en route to goal and should have been ruled out. Meanwhile Mehdi Lacen was sent off for a second bookable offence, apparently for talking back to the referee. Amidst the melee, the goal stood.

Down to ten men for the remaining minutes, Luis García brought on Juan Rodríguez in place of young Abdel in an attempt to reinforce a midfield in danger of being overrun. Shortly afterwards Pedro Ríos replaced his namesake León, presumably with an eye towards the counter-attack.

But this failed to have the desired effect. Two minutes from time the previously-solid Codina dithered in his six-yard box at a corner, blocking a near-post header but permitting the largely unmarked Enzo Maresca to tap in for the equaliser.

Halfway through the four minutes of stoppage time Getafe's hearts were broken by Julio Baptista. The former Real Madrid midfielder unleashed a fierce and accurate overhead kick into the top corner from twelve yards, sending the Rosaleda crowd wild and dooming the visitors to yet another late defeat.

After the international break Getafe - flirting with the dropzone on four points - welcome Villarreal to the Coliseum.

Málaga: Caballero; Jordi Gámez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Eliseu; Toulalan, Duda (Isco 57); Joaquín (Maresca 67), Julio Baptista, Cazorla; Van Nistelrooy (Rondón 74).

Getafe: Codina; Calera, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Rubén Pérez, Lacen; Pedro León (Pedro Ríos 83), Abdel (Juan Rodríguez 77), Diego Castro; Güiza (Miku 69).
Sent Off: Lacen 76 (2nd booking; dissent)

Monday 26 September 2011

Getafe 1-0 Real Betis: Diego Castro goal gives Getafe priceless victory

1-0 Diego Castro 30'

Getafe finally pick up a win as the league leaders fall in Madrid...
... It was far from easy, and could just as easily have gone the other way... 

Diego Castro's first half strike was the difference between joint-bottom Getafe and league leaders Real Betis at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Monday evening as the Azulones managed their first win of the season.

A surprisingly large and vocal crowd at the Coliseum saw the hosts come out swinging. Clearly eager to impress after their dreadful start to the season, the hosts took the game to the visitors from the outset, although Betis' high defensive line stymied many of Geta's early through balls.

The deserved opener came on the half-hour mark from the boots of Diego Castro. The former Sporting man opened his Geta account with an accurate finish into the roof of a defender-guarded net after superb work from  Juan Valera and Dani Güiza down the right.

Following the leitmotif for the season so far, Getafe were languid, even careless heading into the second half. Stand-off defending, poor positioning and slack play more than once saw Moyà forced to come off his line to make an impressive one-on-one stop as the defence stood still.

The home side had their chances too, of course, particularly after the introduction of the energetic Miku, but the final twenty minutes were mainly characterised by nerves. However, a banner performance from Moyà kept things, if not exactly comfortable, on course for victory.

Despite the loss, Betis remain top of the league after five rounds of matches, while Getafe's first win of the season lifts them out of the dropzone. At the weekend the Azulones travel to face big-spending Málaga.

Getafe: Moyà; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Rubén Pérez 37, Lacen; Pedro León (Míchel 77), Abdel (Sarabia 68), Diego Castro; Güiza (Miku 65).

Real Betis: Goitia; Chica, Mario, Dorado, Nacho; Salva Sevilla (Jorge Molina 54), Matilla (Beñat 46), Iriney, Jefferson Montero (Vadillo 71); Jonathan Pereira, Santa Cruz.

Thursday 22 September 2011

Espanyol 1-0 Getafe: Late sickener makes it four without a win

1-0 Pandiani 90'

Getafe's horror start to the season continues with last-gasp defeat in Barcelona...
... Mediocre performance breeds heartbreaking result...

Walter Pandiani came off the bench to snatch a narrowly deserved win over Getafe on Thursday night, placing the Madrid side firmly in the dropzone after their taking just one point from four games.

The sole bright spot of the evening for Geta was the debut of Diego Castro, who recovered from injury in time to make his appearance at Cornella-El Prat.

Getafe's best chance of the game fell to full-back Juan Valera, who missed an easy opportunity in the second period. At the other end Juan Moyà put in a superb shift, but was denied on the rebound by Pandiani early in stoppage time.

The men in blue return to the Coliseum at the weekend to face free-scoring Real Betis in a match that, if not quite must-win, calls for a much-improved performance.

Espanyol: Álvarez; Galán, Jordi Amat, Héctor Moreno, Dídac; Verdú, Baena, Javi Márquez (Pandiani 76); Sergio García; Álvaro (Weiss 58), Thievy Koulossa (Rui Fonte 81).

Getafe: Moyá; Valera, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Masilela (Miguel Torres 76); Rubén Perez; Pedro Ríos (Diego Castro 63), Casquero, Lacen, Abdel; Miku (Güiza 80).

Sunday 18 September 2011

Getafe 0-1 Rayo Vallecano: Winless run continues with derby defeat

0-1 Michu 5'

Azulones in trouble after close-run defeat to local rivals...
... Despite showing fight, the equaliser did not come - and neither will the points... 

Rayo Vallecano proved that they are more than Primera División makeweights with a confident but narrow win over struggling Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez early on Sunday.

The Vallekas outfit came looking for all three points and duly received them following a fifth-minute goal from Michu, the new arrival netting his first goal for the club from close range after a Piti corner.

Geta, starting with Pedro León and Dani Güiza together for the first time, tried their best to get back into the game. However, a combination of poor finishing and dogged defending saw them thwarted at every turn.

In fact it was to be a bad afternoon all round for the hosts as Pedro León limped off injured with 20 minutes remaining, perhaps signalling an end to his side's ambitions.

Unbeaten Rayo are now firmly in the top half of the table, while Getafe, with just one point from three outings, continue to flirt with the dropzone ahead of next week's trip to Espanyol.

Getafe: Moyá; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Masilela; Pedro León (Abdel 71), Juan Rodríguez (Rubén Pérez 37), Lacen, Sarabia (Pedro Ríos 60); Güiza, Miku.

Levante: Dani Giménez; Tito, Arriba, Jordi, Casado; Movilla, Javi Fuego, Botelho (Pacheco 83); Piti (Delibašić 73), Michu; Tamudo (Lass 56).

Saturday 10 September 2011

Real Madrid 4-2 Getafe: Controversial penalty puts dampener on Miku masterclass

1-0 Benzema 13'
1-1 Miku 38'
2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo 58' (pen.)
3-1 Benzema 69'
3-2 Miku 73'
4-2 Higuaín 87'

Getafe show spirit but it's not enough to pick up second point of the season...
... Debatable penalty was a decisive moment as the Blancos go top...

Getafe left the Santiago Bernabéu unashamed but still empty-handed after a 4-2 defeat at the hands of title contenders Real Madrid. The men in white took an early lead and looked dominant, but a fine performance from Miku showed that there is fight yet in the Azulones, who may feel that the result in the end does not do them justice.

Both teams lined up 4-2-3-1, Getafe replacing the slightly injured Mané with impressive debutant Tsepo Masilela at left-back. Pedro León was unable to start due to a contractual issue with parent club Real Madrid, while Diego Castro remained sidelined and Dani Güiza benched due to the great form of Miku. José Mourinho's first eleven was broadly as expected, although Fabio Coentrão occupied a defensive midfield slot in order to give Marcelo a chance to play an attacking, lateral role from the left flank.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 13th minute after a frantic start. Karim Benzema finished off a superb, rugby-esque move that saw the ball passed from the left flank straight to the centre in mere seconds despite passing through four pairs of legs. It went Marcelo to Coentrão to Mesut Özil and finally to the French forward: possession was moved laterally, and inches forward, allowing Benzema to bury the ball with ease from just inside the box with the element of surprise on his side.

But Getafe have a habit of making life difficult for the capital giants, and thus it proved seven minutes from the break as Miku made it two goals in two games. The Venezuelan left his marker Pepe stranded as he got on the end of a short pass from Mehdi Lacen and blasted past Iker Casillas.

Geta grew in confidence in the second period but almost paid for a moment of lax goalkeeping ten minutes after the break when Moyá spilled a Benzema effort for Coentrão to stab home. However, the former Benfica star was correctly ruled offside.

Moyá had to be alert again shortly before the hour mark as Ángel Di María drove a thunderous shot off the crossbar from 20 yards, the 'keeper coming off his line quickly to catch the fly-ball of a rebound.

His and Getafe's luck ran out  as seconds later Real Madrid had a penalty. Cata Díaz was judged to have tripped Cristiano Ronaldo in the box: minimal contact was indeed made, but questions remained as to whether or not it was within the area. Moyá went the right way but Ronaldo's effort was strong, true, and bound for the corner, thus giving his side the lead for the second time.

Ten minutes later the game seemed to be over as a contest as Moyá came off his line, only to be beaten by a furious Benzema effort from a narrow angle. Ronaldo's cross-field ball for the striker was world-class and the finish was just as emphatic.

But Madrid hadn't reckoned on the form of Miku, who pulled one back from ten yards after a goalmouth scramble after Casillas had only parried Dani Güiza's effort.

This was not the start of a comeback, because as Getafe pushed forward Madrid hit on the break, permitting just-on Gonzalo Higuaín to finish the match with a cool effort four minutes from time after a through ball from ex-Getafe midfielder Esteban Granero.

Getafe face local rivals Rayo Vallecano at home next week in a match that could see Diego Castro make his long-awaited debut.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Fabio Coentrão; Di María (Kaká 71), Özil (Higuaín 86), Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema (Granero 86).

Getafe: Moyá; Valera, Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Masilela; Casquero (Güiza 70), Lacen; Pedro Ríos (Colunga 80), Juan Rodríguez, Sarabia (Abdel 70); Miku.

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Pedro León returns to Getafe from Real Madrid

Pedro León is back at the Coliseum for his second stint as a Getafe player. The 24-year-old winger arrives on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season.

The ex-Levante and Valladolid star left Geta for the Bernabéu last summer for a fee of €10m but struggled to win the favour of Madrid coach José Mourinho, making just 14 appearances in all competitions in 2010-11.

Pedro returns to Getafe as a true fan favourite, having been one of the top players of the successful 2009-10 campaign.

Sunday 28 August 2011

Getafe 1-1 Levante: Coliseum curtain-raiser ends in disappointment

1-0 Miku 62'
1-1 Juanlu 77'

A Getafe side bereft of star signings can't hold their lead as Valencian outfit come from behind...
... Diego Castro was missing through injury and Dani Güiza only came off the bench...

An inauspicious season opener at a quiet Coliseum Alfonso Pérez saw Getafe surrender a one-goal advantage to a Levante side who would have been pleased to leave with a share of the spoils.

Following a dull first half, Getafe took a well-earned lead right after the hour mark through Miku. The Venezuelan played a somewhat fortuitous one-two with Mehdi Lacen before rifling a superb half-volley past Gustavo Munúa from ten yards.

Thirteen minutes from the end, Levante picked up an equaliser in controversial circumstances. Substitute Barkero appeared to handle the ball as he took it past Cata Díaz on the left flank, but there was no denying the quality of the finish from Juanlu, who curled a low shot in off Miguel Moyá's far post.

For Geta it was a day of disappointment, not just with the result but also with an early injury to first-choice left-back Mané, who is now in doubt for the visit to Real Madrid in two weeks' time.

Getafe: Moyá; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané (Masilela 17); Abdel (Sarabia 59), Lacen; Juan Rodríguez, Casquero (Güiza 84), Pedro Ríos; Miku.

Levante: Munúa; Javi Venta, Ballesteros, Nano, Juanfran; Pedro López (El Zhar 70), Xabi Torres (Aranda 75), Rubén Suárez (Juanlu 58), Iborra; Valdo, Barkero.

Friday 19 August 2011

Dani Güiza, Zombies & Strikes

Welcome home, Dani: Joining the array of summer transfers is Dani Güiza, returning to the Coliseum for his second spell at the club. The Spain international and ex-Pichichi has yet to be officially announced by the club, but his former team Fenerbahçe have stated that a deal is all but done. This is for most Geta fans by far the most exciting transfer of the summer.

Zombies. Hot zombies: Apparently some fan groups are upset by the latest TV spot advertising Getafe season tickets for the new season:



OK, you can see where the controversy arises, but personally I found this to be quite a funny campaign.

Strikes: Getafe's season opener against Racing Santander is set to be the victim of an upcoming players' strike. Club president Ángel Torres has apparently spoken out against both parties involved in the dispute, but his words have yet to hit the Spanish papers.

Friday 27 May 2011

Two in, two out - so far

Transfer season has started early at the Coliseum this year, with four changes already having taken place before June begins.

Out

Captain Manu del Moral has finally left Getafe after five years in Madrid, heading back to his native Andalucia with Sevilla. The fee is rumoured to be around €4.5m - a price more than fair for one whose contract was fast expiring. El capitán will be much-missed in the dressing room and by the fans, too, because even during moments of poor form his spirit and positive attitude never wavered.

Juan Ángel Albín is a trickier one. The young Uruguayan had sufficient talent to be linked with AC Milan last summer, but instead he finds himself as Espanyol. I had originally thought him out of contract, but in fact he had a year left and thus the Perequitos have had to shell out €3m for his services. That's a considerable sum for a player who, despite his natural abilities, never really came out of his shell at the Coliseum. For me this is a fine piece of business: even if he goes on to be the player we think he can be it's still best to cash in rather than take the risk. Juan leaves after spending, like Manu, five years in the blue shirt.

In

First to come is Mehdi Lacen. The France-born Algerian international has signed on for four years with Geta, bringing to an end three years with Racing Santander. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has spent virtually his entire career in Spain, having previously served Alavés for three years.

His arrival signals - at least according to Marca - the end to Derek Boateng's time at the Coliseum. It is thought that club president Ángel Torres is ready to sell the Ghanaian to the highest bidder, most likely a member of the Premier League. That will be a massive blow for next season: Boateng was the most composed player in the squad by far and while Lacen is not a bad player his skills on the ball do not match those of the former AIK man.

Allegedly already signed is Diego Castro, an exciting winger-cum-forward last of Sporting Gijón. This one isn't 100% confirmed yet, but the Galician wide man will likely take up a position on the left flank, from which his specialty is to cut inside and score goals.

Still to come?

Long before Deportivo slumped towards relegation, much of their out-of-contract contingent had been linked with a switch to the capital. Chief among these was Alberto Lopo. The dependable centre-back would make a fine partner for either Mario or Cata Díaz and is thought to be inches away from officially signing on for Getafe.

In midfield Juan Rodríguez is another candidate for the central role currently occupied by Derek Boateng: , and while Rodríguez has plenty of experience and drive he lacks the class of the former AIK man. Anontio Tomás, Rodríguez's sometime-partner and often-understudy at the Riazor, is another player who could yet join Getafe from the Galicians. Seemingly we can never have too many defensive midfielders...

Also, sporting director Toni Múñoz has extended his deal, with coach Míchel's future hanging in the balance. Torres and Múñoz will meet to discuss the ex-Real Madrid man's future over the coming days.

Update: Míchel is gone, and Luis Enrique will not be taking over. Luis García of Levante is the front-runner.

Saturday 21 May 2011

Real Sociedad 1-1 Getafe: EL GETA NO BAJA!

0-1 Cata Díaz 9'
1-1 Paco Sutil 65'

Getafe avoid away defeat for the first time in six attempts...
... Cata Díaz's early header the highlight of a dull match - oh, and Getafe stay up...

A stalemate so dull it could have been scripted resulted in a 1-1 draw at Anoeta between Real Sociedad and Getafe, an outcome ensuring that both sides retain their Primera División status.

Deportivo La Coruña drop to the second level instead after a 2-0 home defeat to Valencia, while the Azulones also finish above Mallorca on head-to-head.

Heading into the game neither side was safe from relegation, but Real Sociedad were definitely the more secure of the two. That changed after just nine minutes when Cata Díaz headed home a Juan Ángel Albín free-kick to give the visitors the lead.

La Real were the better side afterwards, and although news had filtered through that both Deportivo and Mallorca were in deep trouble they pushed hard in search of an equaliser.

That came via the head of substitute Paco Sutil, who took advantage of Xabi Prieto's trademark dead-ball delivery to level the scores from close range.

From then on, it was a passing drill. Neither side saw the need to punish the other, nor risk anything by committing men forward, if both were safe. Thus scenes of Gijón 1982 followed as centre-backs passed to full-backs, and back around again.

At full-time Anoeta immediately erupted in celebration. Getafe, knowing how close these things can be, still had some waiting to do: both Mallorca and Deportivo were still playing. The second full-time sounded at San Moix, though, the Geta players rushed to the tiny visiting support - a rare show of unity after a dreadful six months - to celebrate yet another improbable survival.

-----

And that ends the season. I'll be here over the summer bringing you the gossip and transfer news, but as far as competitive action goes, we have some time to wait. It's been a pleasure writing these reports - even amidst the worst moments - and I eagerly await another 38 of them next year as Getafe once more seek to prove that they are, quite simply, too big to go down.

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Carlos Martínez, Mikel González, Demidov, De la Bella; Diego Rivas (Elustondo 85), Aranburu; Xabi Prieto, Zurutuza (Paco Sutil 47), Griezmann (Bergara 69); Tamudo.

Getafe:
Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Mario (Mané 46), Iván Marcano; Víctor Sánchez, Boateng; Pedro Ríos, Albín (Parejo 71), Manu del Moral (Casquero 82); Miku.

Sunday 15 May 2011

Getafe 2-0 Osasuna: Azulones keep it alive until the last day!

1-0 Miguel Flaño (o.g.) 64'
2-0 Pedro Ríos 90'

Nerviest of nervy encounters ends with a priceless victory for Getafe...
... It all comes down to the final day as Zaragoza managed a win and Deportivo drew...

Getafe's hopes of Primera División survival remain alive heading into matchday 38 after a gutsy but nerve-wracking home victory over Osasuna.

The hosts were the better side for the first half but were goalless until after the hour mark, after which the Pamplona outfit dominated and more than once should have hit the net. Only a late, late goal from Pedro Ríos guaranteed victory.

Getafe started brightly, with Ríos missing a sitter after just ten minutes, and veteran visiting goalie Ricardo having plenty to do.

Only a pair of attacking substitutions gave Getafe a bit of bite in the second period, and this paid off shortly after the hour mark as Dani Parejo played a fine ball across goal that Miguel Flaño could only turn into his own net under pressure from Adrián Colunga.

From there on in, though, it was all Osasuna. The Rojillos battered the Getafe goal as a pliant midfield let them assault the final third with ease, and only Oscar Ustari's best performance in a Geta shirt kept the hosts narrowly ahead as the home fans whistled for full-time.

In fact they were delighted midway through stoppage time as one of Getafe's abortive counter-attacks finally bore fruit. Dani Parejo was again involved as he slipped the killer pass for Pedro Ríos to strike home from a narrow angle.

The scenes of jubilation on the touchline and on the pitch were welcome, but all at the Coliseum are aware that this job isn't yet done. Manu del Moral threw his shirt into the crowd to commemorate what could well be his last home match for Getafe: next week's encounter at Real Sociedad will, however, determine his legacy.

State of play:
Getafe - 43 points
Deportivo - 43 points
Zaragoza - 42 points

Getafe have a superior head-to-head record against Deportivo.
Zaragoza have a superior head-to-head record against Deportivo.
Zaragoza have a superior head-to-head record against Getafe.

Getafe: Ustari; Víctor Sánchez, Cata Díaz, Mario, Marcano; Pedro Ríos, Boateng, Casquero (Parejo 58), Manu del Moral; Miku (Albín 58), Colunga (Borja 83).

Osasuna: Ricardo; Damiá (Soriano 78), Sergio, Miguel Flaño, Monreal (Lekic 88); Vadócz, Puñal, Nekounam (Pandiani 70); Álvaro Cejudo, Kike Sola, Camuñas.

Thursday 12 May 2011

Real Madrid 4-0 Getafe: It all comes down to the wire

1-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 23'
2-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 57'
3-0 Benzema 76'
4-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 90'

Heavy defeat not unexpected, but no less damaging for that for Getafe...
... The relegation pack is ever more bunched together...

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo strode further towards the European Golden Shoe with an excellent performance at home to Getafe. For the hosts the result was meaningless; the visitors, meanwhile, are plunged further into trouble at the foot of the Primera División.

The hosts took the lead in the 23rd minute with a fine header from Ronaldo after a beautiful Mesut Ozil cross.

Getafe threatened little and deservedly went behind by two just before the hour mark. Ronaldo was on target again, side-footed into an empty net after Osky Ustari could only parry Ozil's shot into the path of Gonzalo Higuain for the assist.

Karim Benzema was in on the act fifteen minutes from time, getting on the end of a Xabi Alonso through pass to control and shoot with precision after just moments on the pitch.

Finally Ronaldo wrapped up his hat-trick in stoppage time from the penalty spot after Mané brought down the ex-Manchester United man in the box.

The only bright spot of the matchday was Real Sociedad's win over Zaragoza, which keeps Getafe in with a chance of salvation. A win over Osasuna on Sunday is now a must.

Real Madrid: Adán (Mejías 83); Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Lass Diarra; Di María, Özil (Adebayor 75), Cristiano Ronaldo; Higuaín (Benzema 75)

Getafe:
Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Mario, Mané; Boateng, Casquero (Mosquera 63); Arizmendi, Parejo (Borja 70), Adrián Sardinero (Miku 46); Colunga.

Saturday 7 May 2011

Getafe 2-0 Almería: Routine home win lifts Azulones from the dropzone

1-0 Colunga 5'
2-0 Pedro Ríos 53'

Almería no match for the Madrid side as Getafe pick up a vital three points with ease...
... Only downside on a successful day is that relegation rivals keep on picking up points...

It was a must-win game, and won it was. Getafe's 2-0 victory over Almería was never in doubt, and the capital club's hopes of survival remain alive, if only just.

Getafe welcomed Derek Boateng back to their ranks, with Miku joining Adrián Colunga up front in an attacking formation. Almería, seeking to avoid the seemingly inevitable relegation that awaits them, lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Henok Goitom looking to add to his single league goal this season and the near-ever-present Albert Crusat set to provide most of the attacking threat down the left.

The hosts' jangled nerves were partially settled as the fifth minute as Colunga managed an all-too-rare goal. On the counter-attack, the on-form Pedro Ríos strode up the right flank before cutting the ball across goal to the unmarked striker, who side-footed with ease into an empty next.

Even was the rest of the first period, with neither side threatening overmuch but instead enjoying a succession of half-chances.

That all changed minutes into the second half when Getafe added a second. Again it came down the right flank, this time Víctor Sánchez breaking forward to cross for Adrián Sardinero. The youngster could only get a touch on it, but it was enough to direct the ball towards Pedro Ríos, who tapped in at the far post.

Getafe ran the game out in relative comfort, with only a shot from José Ulloa troubling the woodwork. However a knock to Pedro Ríos late on necessitated the introduction of Borja and also threw the winger into doubt for the midweek journey to Real Madrid.

Spirits will be high for that encounter - Getafe have won there in the past, after all - but the fact that the Azulones' relegation rivals just keep on winning and drawing is bound to be a source of concern. It is incumbent on Geta to pick up points wherever and whenever they can - starting with at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Pedro Ríos (Borja 80), Boateng, Víctor Sánchez, Adrián Sardinero (Parejo 62); Miku (Arizmendi 73), Colunga.

Almería: Esteban; Míchel Macedo, Carlos García, Pellerano, Luna; Bernadello, Corona (José Ortiz 61); Juanma Ortiz, Kalu Uche (Ulloa 60), Crusat (Vargas 66); Goitom.

Sunday 1 May 2011

Villarreal 2-1 Getafe: Azulones can't hold their lead as disaster looms

0-1 Pedro Ríos 31'
1-1 Cani 60'
2-1 Rossi 74'

Tough trip to Madrigal ends much as expected - in defeat...
... Results elsewhere mean that the Madrid outfit could end the weekend in the bottom three...

Getafe surrendered a one-goal advantage against a Villarreal side well worth their win on the day to sink deeper into the relegation mire on a weekend that saw Zaragoza and Málaga gain the advantage in the race to avoid the drop.

After a largely even opening spell, Getafe took the lead on the half-hour mark. Pedro Ríos was the difference-maker, the ex-Xerez winger scoring a wonderful solo effort by skipping free of his marker and looping a superb shot into the top of the net from the edge of the area.

Despite this setback the hosts emerged for the second half looking far stronger, and duly took the lead - albeit in bizarre circumstances.

After Javier Casquero conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area, Getafe stood around talking amongst themselves while Santi Cazorla swiftly passed the set-piece to Cani, who in turn lashed a shot past the blameless Oscar Ustari.

Villarreal's dominance continued and it was no surprise when they took the lead shortly afterwards. Marco Rubén left Miguel Torres flat-footed and eventually flat on his back before clipping a short cross for Giuseppe Rossi. The Italian's diving header was strong and true and gave Villarreal the lead.

Javier Ariezmendi had already come on by this time, and Adrián Colunga was to join him as the visitors threw everything forward, but it was to no avail.

A positive result for Osasuna against Valencia in the later game will place Getafe in the dropzone. Regardless, the Azulones are in an extremely precarious position and must take three points from all-but-relegated Almería next weekend.

Villarreal: Diego López; Mario, Kiko (Marco Rubén 70), Musacchio, Capdevila; Cazorla (Wakaso 82), Borja Valero, Bruno, Cani (Catalá 77); Rossi, Nilmar.

Getafe:
Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Víctor Sánchez (Colunga 77), Casquero (Boateng 68); Pedro Ríos, Parejo, Adrián Sardinero (Arizmendi 73); Miku.

Monday 25 April 2011

Getafe sold to Royal Emirates Group - again - but from 2012

Getafe president Ángel Torres today announced that the sale of the Madrid club to the Royal Emirates Group of Dubai will take place only in July 2012.

In the latest in a long line of confusing statements to emanate from the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez and the Arabian Gulf, Torres said, "Since we don't want to go into debt and we want to be different, we have to seek investment.

"The Royal Emirates are the new owners of the team, because they hold 99.3% of the shares."

How REG can own Torres' shares yet not actually effect their purchase until 2012 is not immediately apparent.

Torres further added that he will remain in charge of the club for "four to six years", during which there will be a "culture change", and the two organisations will "grow together."

The president did work to allay fans' fears by declaring that the club crest and blue colour will not be changed, amidst rumours of a 'Team Dubai' rebranding.

The exact status of Getafe CF, then, remains unclear, although slightly less unclear than this time last week.

Sunday 24 April 2011

Mallorca 2-0 Getafe: Survival still not assured after poor showing in Palma

1-0 Nunes 25'
2-0 Aki 67'

Back to losing ways after last week's success, Getafe offer little at Mallorca...
... Results elsewhere make for sobering reading for coach Míchel...

Getafe's quest for Liga survival continutes after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Real Mallorca in Palma.

The hosts were superior throughout, and a goal in each half saw to it that the Barralets themselves all but secured their place in the Spanish top flight for the 2011-12 campaign thanks to Jose Nunes and Akihiro 'Aki' Ienaga.

The Catalan side took the lead in the 25th minute when Nunes headed home unmarked at the near post following a Sergio Tejera corner: one of the easiest goals he'll ever score.

Míchel made two substitutions at the break, altering Geta's formation in the process, but this failed to bear fruit as Mallorca managed a second goal.

Substitute Aki doubled the advantage with 23 minutes left to go, the Japanese netting a goal nearly identical to the first, with Dani Parejo failing to pick up his man.

The Azulones missed two gilt-edged chances as the clock ran down, Javier Arizmendi fluffing an easy opportunity before Miku hit the post, and thus the visitors left all three points on the island.

With survival still not assured and the club's future up in the air, Getafe face a tough trip to Villarreal next Sunday. After that comes the visit of Almería in a game that is incredibly vital, especially in light of the fact that Hércules and Málaga both managed victories today.

Mallorca: Aouate; Joao Victor, Nunes, Ramis, Ayode; Tejera (Aki 60), Martí; Nsue, De Guzmán, Castro (Víctor Casadesús 69); Webó (Cendrós 90).

Getafe:
Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Víctor Sánchez (Sardinero 46), Boateng, Casquero (Arizmendi 67), Parejo; Colunga (Pedro Ríos 46), Miku.

Thursday 21 April 2011

Getafe sold to Royal Emirates Group

Ángel Torres has effected the sale of Getafe CF to the Royal Emirates Group of Dubai. REG managing director Kaiser Rafiq signed the papers along with the Geta president mid-afternoon local time in the Gulf emirate, meaning that the Azulones are the third Liga outfit to have Asian ownership after Racing Santander and Málaga.

What this means for Getafe and its future is uncertain. Whether or not the team's name will change, how much investment there will be in the playing staff, even if Torres retains his position - none of this is yet known.

Geta are yet to make a formal announcement about the sale, but it is expected to weigh in at a €90m transaction. REG have promised to bring "new blood" to the club and to promote it throughout the Middle East.

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Getafe "Team Dubai" closer to fruition - Angel Torres expected to sell to Arab consortium

Worrying and exciting times lie ahead for Getafe fans. According to Reuters, it seems that the sale of the club to the Royal Emirates Group is set to go ahead, although what this means for Geta's name and tradition is very much uncertain.

The REG announced earlier in the week the acquisition of a Spanish club for around €90m - an extraordinary sum, if it applies to Getafe - and the desire to re-brand it to "Team Dubai."

Club president Angel Torres and captain Manu del Moral are in Dubai and will be present at the formal announcement on Thursday.

Meanwhile fans look on with growing concern at what could happen to the symbols of their club and city, mixed with a smaller measure of excitement at the prospect of investment.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Getafe Team Dubai? No clarity around Middle Eastern investment

Angel Torres is in Dubai, flanked by Getafe captain Manu del Moral. The club president is seeking investment - at least, that's what he says. Per Marca:

"I haven't sold the club to anyone. I'm working as other clubs do - Atlético Madrid, Hércules...

"[We're in Dubai] only to find solutions for next season... I've come with the idea of meeting to gain sponsors to improve the image of Getafe and get a new name for the stadium."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Royal Emirates Group Kaiser Rafiq of the Royal Emirates Group tells AP that his company had purchased a Spanish football team. AP later cites Rafiq as saying that jerseys, stadium and other merchandise would be branded with Team Dubai - but not the club's name itself.

Earlier it was thought that Real Zaragoza were the club to be bought out. Now it's less clear. Have Getafe been bought? Have they been invested in?

Above all, is this real?



Apparently all will be revealed on Thursday... but for now it's worth noting that the logo above was only last modified this morning, that the domain name was only registered today, April 19th, and that it's hosted by Bluehost, based out of Utah, USA, as opposed to a hosting company in Spain or the Middle East. Not that this is anywhere near conclusive, of course.

Saturday 16 April 2011

Getafe 1-0 Sevilla: Three at last! Three at last!

1-0 Miku 75'

Getafe manage their first win in over two months against a lacklustre Sevilla side...
... Not a perfect performance, but more than a match for the jaded visitors...

The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez crowd was treated on Saturday evening to that rarest of sights - a Getafe victory. For just the second time since the New Year the Azulones picked up all three points, this time against a Sevilla side who offered extremely little.

Nonetheless with Málaga thrashing Mallorca, relegation remains very much an open question, and coach Míchel must be prepared to build on this victory rather than considering the season a closed matter.

Sevilla had good reason to start the game well, given their 3-1 loss at home to Geta back in November, but in fact seemed content to give the visitors the initiative.

Geta attempted to use width and versatility in midfield, with Dani Parejo and Javier Casquero deployed either side of Víctor Sánchez in a formation bereft of traditional lateral options.

This bore little fruit for either side but it was certainly the case that Getafe were far the more comfortable on the ball, and the first half closed with little danger to the home net.

The second period was slightly more active, Miku showing plenty of activity and the otherwise-disappointing Adrián Sardinero testing Javi Varas with a fine drive just before the hour mark.

It was Venezuelan striker Miku who opened the scoring fifteen minutes from time, bringing down an excellent Dani Parejo through ball with admirable technique before slotting under Varas.

Sevilla failed to react to this setback and deservedly left with nothing, their Champions League hopes now almost completely eliminated as their Europa League target itself begins to appear difficult.

Geta are on 37 points as they await the outcome of the rest of the relegation fixtures. The Madrid outfit travel to Mallorca next Sunday.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres (Borja 75), Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Parejo, Víctor Sánchez, Casquero; Colunga (Arizmendi 61), Miku, Adrián Sardinero.

Sevilla: Javi Varas; Cáceres, Alexis, Fazio, Fernando Navarro; Renato (Diego Capel 75), Medel, Rakitic, Dabo (Alfaro 75); Rodri (Luis Alberto 63), Negredo.

Monday 11 April 2011

Zaragoza 2-1 Getafe: Azulones' race to relegation continues apace

1-0 Ponzio 13'
2-0 Bertolo 25'
2-1 Casquero 45'

Another embarrassing defeat for Getafe all but ends survival hopes...
... Visitors are relegation stick-ons while Zaragoza can dream of survival...

Getafe can look forward to Segunda División football next season after falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their relegation rivals of Real Zaragoza.

With the visitors needing at least a point to arrest their recent slide, instead they surrendered early and ended up on the end of a deserved loss.

The Azulones are four points clear of the dropzone on paper, but with the worst winless run in the division and an array of difficult road games coming up, it seems as though Getafe's Primera adventure has come to an end.

Zaragoza were dominant in the opening stages and were rewarded for their ambition with a goal. Leonardo Ponzio took the ball unopposed from the centre circle to 20 yards from goal before shooting low and true past Oscar Ustari.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 35th minute with a splinded counter-attack orchestrated by none other than former Getafe striker Ikechukwu Uche. The Nigerian broke from his own half into Geta territory before unleashing a tremendous through ball to Nicolás Bertolo, who made no mistake when one-on-one with Ustari.

Javier Casquero gave Getafe a glimmer of hope just before the break with a thundering drive from eight yards after Zaragoza failed to clear their lines of a Pedro Ríos cross.

Both sides had their chances in the second period, but the hosts were largely in control and thus merited their three points. Indeed, Getafe played the final eight minutes with just ten men after Manu del Moral left the pitch due to injury with no substitutes available, further underlining the ease of the Blanquillos' task.

Zaragoza move up to 17th place on 33 points, one fewer than Getafe. Geta welcome Sevilla to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Saturday.

Zaragoza: Toni Doblas; Diogo, da Silva, Lanzaro, Obradovic; Ponzio (Jorge López 69'), Gabi; Boutahar (Lafita 85'), Ander (N'Daw 74'), Bertolo; Uche.

Getafe:
Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Pedro Ríos (Adrián Sardinero 46'), Casquero (Arizmendi 80'), Boateng, Manu del Moral; Miku (Parejo 68'), Colunga.

Saturday 2 April 2011

Getafe 2-4 Valencia: Another defensive collapse spells crisis at the Coliseum

Defensive calamity sees Getafe throw it all away...
... Relegation a genuine concern at the Coliseum...

Getafe's habit of throwing away leads returned in emphatic fashion on Saturday as Valencia stormed back to take a 4-2 win from the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, with former home favourite Roberto Soldado weighing in with a hat-trick.

On-form Manu del Moral got the ball rolling for Getafe early on with a low drive from the edge of the area after a wonderful one-two with Pablo Mosquera.

But the hosts' joy was to last only seconds after the break, as Soldado was on hand to equalise with a first-time slotted shot under Oscar Ustari after Cata Díaz failed to deal with a fine through ball from Juan Mata.

The ex-Real Madrid man was on target again just after the hour mark with a shot from a similar range and angle, with Jonas this time playing provider past a static Getafe defence for Soldado to take advantage.

Two minutes later Soldado had his hat-trick. Mané's lack of control saw him lose the ball ten yards out from the box, allowing the striker to steal possession and beat Ustari for a third time.

Soldado wasn't finished yet as with thirteen minutes to go Mata once again set up the Spanish international to beat his marker and slot in from close range.

Adrián Sardinero pulled one back with three minutes to go as the tireless Manu del Moral played the young substitute through on goal to fire home at the near post, but it was too little, too late.

With the rest of the relegation pack still to play Getafe are just five points clear of relegation. Next week's trip to Zaragoza is looking increasingly like a make-or-break occasion.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Iván Marcano, Mané; Borja (Adrián Sardinero 73), Parejo; Arizmendi (Víctor Sánchez 80), Pablo Mosquera (Pedro Ríos 66), Manu del Moral; Miku.

Valencia: César; Bruno, Ricardo Costa (Stankevicius 57), Dealbert, Mathieu (Jordi Alba 81); Mehmet Topal, Tino Costa; Pablo Hernández, Jonas (Maduro 79), Juan Mata; Soldado.

Sunday 6 March 2011

Sporting Gijón 2-0 Getafe: Winless run continues after whimpering defeat

1-0 De las Cuevas 32'
2-0 André Castro 40'

Hosts easily the better side as Asturians pull to within five points of Geta...
... Safety still not secured for the disappointing visitors...

On paper Getafe played Sunday's fixture in Gijón, but in fact the Azulones were nowhere to be found as Sporting pulled off what must rank among their easiest wins of the season at the Molinón.

From start to finish the Asturian side was firmly in control, with Getafe offering just one shot on goal over the course of the ninety minutes.

The rojiblancos dominated the early exchanges, and the only surprise was that it took then half an hour to take the lead. Miguel de las Cuevas did the honours with a placed strike from the edge of the area that left the impressive Jordi Codina helpless.

Ten minutes later André Castro drilled a shot of his own from the edge of the box, the Porto loanee's effort sailing past Codina to double his side's advantage.

Jaime Gavilán trudged off to be replaced by Javier Arizmendi as visiting coach Míchel looked to turn the tide, Dani Parejo also making way for Javier Casquero at the interval.

Yet Sporting once again came out stronger, and not until the hour mark did misrifing Adrián Colunga threaten to break his lean spell with a mis-hit strike after he led a fine counter-attack.

Arizmendi - eager to prove his worth after a season spent largely on the bench - then came close, but Sporting closed out the match in relative comfort, even after Alberto Lora's needless second yellow card for dissent.

Getafe will end the weekend seven points clear of the dropzone, yet the Madrid outfit urgently need to start picking up points if they're to meet their goal of avoiding relegation prior to the final matchdays.

Next Monday's home game against Athletic Bilbao may be their last chance to do so for a while, given that the following two encounters are against Barcelona and Valencia.

Sporting: Cuéllar; Lora, Botía, Iván Hernández; Canella; Rivera, Nacho Cases; De las Cuevas (José Ángel 82), André Castro (Mate Bilic 87), Diego Castro (Luis Morán 72); David Barral.
Red Card: Lora 86' (second yellow card)

Getafe:
Codina; Víctor Sánchez, Rafa, Miguel Torres, Marcano; Manu del Moral, Boateng, Parejo (Casquero 46), Gavilán (Arizmendi 42); Colunga, Miku (Pedro Ríos 61.)

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Getafe 1-1 Atlético Madrid: Geta can't hold their nerve in Madrid derby

1-0 Manu del Moral 3'
1-1 Elías 81'

Early lead not enough as Geta make it four without a win...
... Fine start canceled out by late concession...

Getafe shared the points with near-neighbours Atlético Madrid in Wednesday's city derby, with one goal apiece securing the draw.

Overall this was a less than encouraging match for fans of both sides. Neither club is currently firing on all cylinders and this was painfully evident at the Coliseum.

Still, it was perhaps inevitable that Manu del Moral would provide one of the rare moments of excitement. The former Atleti man, linked with a return to the Vicente Calderón, opened the scoring after just three minutes with a fine chip from the edge of the box over the helpless David De Gea.

The Colchoneros attempted to put the pressure on but Geta enjoyed the best of the first half, the interplay between Manu and Miku creating one chance that the former failed to bury in the 26th minute. Shortly afterward home left-back Mané was removed due to injury.

José Antonio Reyes almost equalised on the stroke of the interval, and this was a taste of things to come as the visitors improved in the second period.

They eventually got what they were looking for nine minutes from time when Elías netted his first goal for the club with a header from ten yards following Diego Forlán's cross. For Getafe this was the third late goal shipped in four games.

Dani Parejo was denied a dramatic winner by David De Gea as the clock ran down.

Atleti remain two points above Getafe on 35. The Azulones face a trip to struggling Sporting Gijón on Sunday as they attempt to wrap up safety from relegation early.

Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Mané (Marcano 30); Manu, Víctor Sánchez (Boateng 65), Parejo, Gavilán; Colunga (Casquero 77), Miku.

Atlético: De Gea; Valera, Perea, Godín, Antonio López; Reyes, Raúl García (Mario Suárez 63), Tiago (Juanfran 82), Koke (Elías 66); Forlán, Agüero.

Sunday 27 February 2011

Hércules 0-0 Getafe: Neither Side Makes Chances Count In Alicante

An open, entertaining encounter that merited goals...
... Loose defending only outweighed by sloppy finishing and crossing...

Getafe and Hércules each passed up several chances to make their respective pressuer tell in an exciting match in Alicante that ultimately yielded no goals.

The visitors may well feel the most aggrieved at the result, for while the hosts arguably enjoyed the clearest opportunity of the game, Getafe enjoyed more of them.

The hosts started brightly, with Olivier Thomert and Tote looking especially active, the latter even having a goal correctly ruled out for offside.

Towards the end of the first period Getafe began to recover, though, the on-form Javier Casquero threatening, although there was a lack of end product from the flanks.

Adrián Colunga, still in the midst of a lean spell, was denied by the post shortly before the interval, and David Trezeguet displayed his own scoring troubles by missing a sitter shortly after the restart.

By far the best chance of the match fell to Javier Portillo with twenty-five minutes to go, but the ex-Real Madrid man, when unmarked in the box, contrived to shoot at the onrushing Jordi Codina instead of into the back of the net.

Miku enjoyed a fine chance right afterwards, but as the match wore on it became clear that neither side had what it took to break the deadlock, the last real action being when home defender Cristan Pulhac picked up a second booking.

The 0-0 draw Getafe remain eight points clear of the dropzone, while Hércules are just two points above the relegation spots.

Getafe enjoy a home derby clash with Atlético Madrid midweek, while Hércules make the long drive north to meet Villarreal.

Hércules: Calatayud; Juanfra, Abraham Paz, Pamarot, Pulhac; Tote (Kiko 71), Farinós (Fritzler 77), Tiago Gomes, Thomert; Trezeguet, Portillo.

Getafe:
Codina; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Mané; Pedro Ríos (Manu del Moral 46), Víctor Sánchez, Casquero, Gavilán (Arizmendi 86); Colunga (Parejo 75), Miku.

Sunday 20 February 2011

Getafe 0-1 Racing Santander: Dull Clash Settled By Late Penalty

0-1 Pinillos (pen.) 88'

Careless play and questionable refereeing makes for dull encounter...
... Late penalty decision and red card correct nonetheless...

For the second week in a row Getafe conceded a late penalty as the Azulones fell 1-0 to rivals Racing Santander at home.

An unusually large crowd assembled at the Coliseum in the hopes of seeing a routine win over the struggling Cantabrians, but in fact a cagey first period and a disappointing second resulted in a home defeat.

The first half was mainly dominated by long balls from both sides, with few chances of note for either team.

Stats
Getafe - Racing
54% Possession 46%
1 Shots on target 5
7 Corners 4
106 Balls Lost 108
78 Balls Recovered 85
1 Yellow Cards 2
1 Red Cards 0
11 Fouls Committed 12
Indeed, Getafe didn't meaningfully test Toño once during the opening forty-five, and not until five minutes before the break did Racing really threaten as Ariel Nahuelpan shot over after beating Cata Díaz.

Referee Estrada Fernández missed what appeared to be a penalty for Getafe five minutes after the break as Pablo Pinillos handled a Jaime Gavilán cross.

After a raft of substitutions for both sides, Jordi Codina was called into action to deny Pedro Munitis a rare goal, and Racing began to look dangerous.

Seventeen minutes from time substitute Giovani Dos Santos thought he'd given the Cantabrians the lead, only to be disappointed by the referee's whistle. This was an offside decision that spared Getafe's blushes, for replays seemed to indicate that the goal was legal.

Miku saved a Miku effort eight minutes from time before referee Fernández redeemed himself by getting a decision correct. Iván Marcano denied the excellent Dos Santos a clear opportunity in the box, and although the ex-Barcelona man did make the most of it, it was a reckless challenge from the Villarreal loanee.

Pablo Pinillos stepped up and buried the penalty, and the game was Racing's. Indeed, were it not for a wonder save from Codina a minute later Dos Santos may have had the goal he was denied earlier with an unmarked far post header.

Getafe could potentially now finish the weekend in the bottom half, depending on results involving Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Mallorca. Racing pull to within three points of the Azulones on 28.

Getafe: Codina; Víctor Sánchez, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Pedro Ríos (Albín 79'), Boateng, Casquero (Parejo 56'), Gavilán; Miku, Colunga (Adrián Sardinero 61'.)
Red Card: Marcano 88' (professional foul)

Racing: Toño; Pinillos, Henrique, Torrejón, Cisma; Lacen, Colsa; Kennedy (Dos Santos 66'), Munitis, Adrián (Arana 72'); Nahuelpan (Rosenberg 59').

Sunday 13 February 2011

Málaga 2-2 Getafe: Late collapse sees Getafe give up three points

0-1 Miku 8'
0-2 Colunga 23'
1-2 Julio Baptista (pen.) 80'
2-2 Rondón 90'

A game of two halves sees Getafe throw it all away...
... In an evenly-matched encounter the visitors could not hold their nerve...

Getafe threw away a two-goal lead at struggling Málaga, the Romareda encounter ending in a draw thanks to two late strikes from the hosts.

In truth it was probably the fairest outcome, although it's one that does neither side any favours. Getafe are not yet truly safe from relegation while Málaga, themselves deeply entrenched in the dropzone, need to pick up more wins than draws.

After eight minutes on-form Miku gave the Azulones the lead. The Venezuelan tapped in at the far post after home 'keeper Francesc Arnau failed to deal with Adrián Colunga's cross-cum-shot.

Stats
Málaga - Getafe
58% Possession 42%
5 Shots on target 4
9 Corners 3
100 Balls Lost 105
88 Balls Recovered 66
4 Yellow Cards 4
0 Red Cards 0
13 Fouls Committed 14
Geta doubled their lead midway through the first period, and it was Colunga that found the net this time. The former Recreativo man showed characteristic poise to chip over the onrushing Arnau after getting on the end of Gavilán's long ball forward.

The hosts made two changes at the break and came out the better side in the second period. They were able to put Getafe under considerable pressure, and this eventually told in the form of a goal.

Ten minutes from time Iván Marcano handled the ball in the area, giving ex-Real Madrid midfielder Julio Baptista the chance to net from the spot. The Brazilian made no mistake.

Málaga's comeback was complete in stoppage time as Sandro Silva's cross found Seba Fernández ready to tee up José Rondón for a dramatic winner.

Getafe will finish the weekend in the top half, but are just nine points from safety in what is a tightly-bunched chasing pack ahead of the visit of rivals Racing Santander next week. Málaga remain last and must travel to Villarreal in matchday 24.

Málaga: Arnau; Manolo Gaspar, Demichelis, Weligton, Eliseu; Nacho Camacho (Sandro Silva 63'), Recio; Maresca (Portillo 46'), Baptista, Fernando (Seba 46'); Rondón.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Pedro Ríos (Víctor Sánchez 81'), Boateng, Casquero, Gavilán (Parejo 86'); Miku (Albín 65'), Colunga.

Saturday 5 February 2011

Getafe 4-1 Deportivo La Coruña: Commanding Getafe turn it around

1-0 Colunga 19'
2-0 Colunga 26'
3-0 Miku 44'
4-0 Pedro Ríos 56'
4-1 Riki (pen.) 68'

Getafe back to winning ways with thumping win over Galicians...
... Positive start showed renewed confidence and definition...

Getafe recorded their first win of 2011 in style by putting four goals past struggling Deportivo La Coruña at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Saturday.

Both sides were on miserable runs coming into the early evening fixture, with Geta's last Liga victory being all the way back in mid-December at Almería, and Depor's in Bilbao on January 2nd.

The visitors, with just five away goals to their name coming into this encounter, lined up in a typically defensive 5-4-1, while Getafe modified their usual 4-2-3-1 into a slightly more attacking 4-4-2. Javier Casquero made his return to the first eleven, with Pedro Ríos and Jaime Gavilán supporting Miku and Adrián Colunga from the flanks.

Stats
Getafe - Depor
48% Possession 52%
9 Shots on target 9
5 Corners 7
83 Balls Lost 81
71 Balls Recovered 60
5 Yellow Cards 4
0 Red Cards 0
10 Fouls Committed 8
Getafe's mixture of wide and central play had the A Coruña men on the back foot from the outset, and despite an early injury to Miguel Torres the hosts were swiftly to take the lead.

Colunga opened the scoring in the 19th minute with an opportunistic finish after Deportivo's defence completely failed to defend a set-piece counter.

As much as the first goal was a true striker's strike, the second was a work of art. It started with another Deportivo error, Rubén Pérez giving the ball away in midfield, permitting Gavilán to play Colunga through on goal. The forward skipped past Aranzubia and from the narrowest of angles then clipped the ball past the onrushing centre-backs.

On the stroke of half time, Gavilán was again the architect for the third, slotting a low pass for Miku on the edge of the area, allowing the Venezuelan to take the ball on the turn and fire home.

Depor's Riki hit the woodwork just after the break, but Pedro Ríos showed that the hosts were far from finished. Gavilán registered his third assist of the day with a deep cross for the Jerez native to touch past Aranzubia.

Riki pulled one back in the 68th minute with a controversial penalty, given for handball against Víctor Sánchez, but it was abundantly clear by this point that the match was over as a contest.

Getafe travel to Málaga in the next matchday, while Deportivo welcome Villarreal to Galicia.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres (Víctor Sánchez 17'), Cata Díaz, Marcano, Mané; Pedro Ríos, Boateng (Borja 62'), Casquero, Gavilán; Miku, Colunga (Pablo Pintos 68'.)

Deportivo: Aranzubia; Laure, Colotto, Aythami, Zé Castro, Manuel Pablo; Míchel (Riki 46'), Juan Domínguez, Rubén Pérez, Adrián (Xisco 65'); Lassad (Valerón 60'.)

Saturday 29 January 2011

Levante 2-0 Getafe: Efficient Hosts Make Geta Pay The Price

1-0 Valdo 47'
2-0 Caicedo 54'

The word 'crisis' looms large after a humiliating loss to the relegation candidates...
... Few clear chances on goal, Manu sent off in frustration at the death...

Getafe fell to 10th in the table with a defeat at lowly Levante, meaning that 2011's barren winless run will now stretch into the month of February.

The hosts urgently needed a win to help pull clear of the dropzone and duly managed it: in a game that saw Levante enjoy very little possession, they nonetheless poured pressure on Oscar Ustari, resulting in two goals early in the second half.

Stats
Levante- Getafe
39% Possession 61%
6 Shots on target 0
3 Corners 3
100 Balls Lost 100
84 Balls Recovered 76
3 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 1
10 Fouls Committed 11
Getafe's early play, meanwhile, was entirely without imagination. The Azulones tried to press forward with a combination of through balls and wide runs, but couldn't break down the obstinate Levante defence.

The Valencians were able to threaten both on the counter, and more often from set pieces, with first a Caicedo header then a Valdo shot from a respective free-kick and corner almost giving Levante the lead on the half-hour.

Getafe coach Míchel deployed the team in a more attacking formation for the second period, and this was to cost the visitors dearly. Two minutes after the break former Osasuna man Valdo opened the scoring for Levante with a close-range finish after Felipe Caicedo flicked on Juanlu's cross.

On-form Caicedo netted his 7th of the season shortly afterwards, Juanlu again proving the architect with a neat cross between the centre-backs: Oscar Ustari could have done better here, neither coming out nor staying on his line, and thus gifting the powerful forward a routine finish.

Getafe's dreadful start to the year is taking its mental toll on the players, and this showed in dramatic fashion twelve minutes from time as captain Manu del Moral saw red for his part in a minor brawl that apparently stemmed from his refusing to kick the ball away when Asier del Horno was flat-out and allegedly injured. Levante's unused substitute Xisco Nadal was also sent to the dressing room.

Regardless of the merits of these sendings-off, Getafe were a man down, and there was no coming back. The Azulones now urgently need a win at home to Deportivo next Saturday afternoon to arrest a slide that's seen them lose four of their last five matches.

Levante: Munúa; Javi Venta, Ballesteros, Del Horno, Juanfran (Nano 66'); Xavi Torres, Pallardó; Valdo (Wellington 88'), Xisco Muñoz (Iborra 71'), Juanlu; Felipe Caicedo.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres (Colunga 65'), Cata Díaz, Rafa (Marcano 58'), Mané; Mosquera (Gavilán 56'), Boateng; Pedro Ríos, Parejo, Manu; Miku.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Deportivo's Albero Lopo to join Getafe in summer, claims Marca

According to Marca, Deportivo La Coruña centre-back Alberto Lopo is to become Getafe's second signing of the summer after his current teammate Juan Rodríguez.

The former Espanyol stopper, who will turn 31 in May, is out of contract at the Riazor and as such will arrive on a Bosman deal to shore up the defence ahead of the 2011-12 campaign.

Born in Barcelona, Lopo has made over 300 appearances in La Liga over the past twelve years.

Sunday 23 January 2011

Getafe 1-3 Espanyol: Azulones surrender early lead to on-form Perequitos

1-0 Miku 13'
1-1 Luis García 52'
1-2 Callejón 59'
1-3 Sergio García 63'

Spiritless second half sees Getafe pay the price...
Espanyol had more quality and more desire...

Getafe lost out yet again in their quest for a European place in La Liga, surrendering an early lead to suffer a 3-1 defeat to on-form Espanyol in the first match of the second half of the season.

Having lost out to the Catalan side on the opening day of the 2010-11 campaign, the desire for revenge at the Coliseum was plainly evident. It went some way to being fulfilled when in the 13th minute Miku opened the scoring. The Venezuelan managed an absolute peach, weaving his way into the box past two defenders to shoot low past Carlos Kameni.

Stats
Getafe - Espanyol
45% Possession 55%
5 Shots on target 6
5 Corners 5
107 Balls Lost 110
81 Balls Recovered 83
0 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
15 Fouls Committed 6
Espanyol enjoyed some pressure after this, but the half ended with Daniel Parejo missing an absolute sitter - something that would cost Getafe dearly.

Seven minutes after the break Espanyol's renaissance began. Luis García was given too much time and space at the near post to control a Sergio García cross, and the deadly forward was able to launch a superb shot into the roof of the net from a narrow angle.

Getafe utterly collapsed at this point as José Callejón added a deserved second. The 23-year-old headed home from six yards a deep free-kick from Luis García, the home defence yet again found wanting in their own box.

Sergio García completed the eleven-minute, three-goal haul shortly afterwards with the simplest of first-time finishes, taking advantage of a Callejón through ball on the break.

Getafe have now gone five games without a win in all competitions and need a positive result at struggling Levante next Saturday to turn their recent run of poor form around.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Marcano; Boateng (Casquero 72'), Víctor Sánchez (Albín 63'); Pedro Ríos (Colunga 73'), Parejo, Manu; Miku.

Espanyol: Kameni; Chica, Forlín, Víctor Ruíz, Dídac; Duscher (Jordi Amat 79'), Javi Márquez; Luis García, Verdú (Iván Alonso 89'), José Callejón; Sergio García (Cristian Álvarez 76').