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.