Peña Getafense Escocia

Levante 1-2 Getafe: Dani Güiza makes the difference in Valencia

2012-01-29T16:50:00.002Z

0-1 Güiza 31'
0-2 Diego Castro 79'

Lucky Getafe make their chances count against wasteful Levante...
... Third win in the last six propels the Azulones well into the top half ...

Getafe rode their luck but left Valencia with all three points, stretching their current unbeaten run to six games. The Granotas passed up a host of excellent chances in both halves and were twice punished by Getafe's quickfire attacks through the middle, rendering Levante's Champions League challenge increasingly fragile.

The hosts, still hoping for an unlikely Champions League place, started with their tails up - perhaps with something to prove to ex-coach Luis García, who now sits in the Getafe dugout. Pedro Botelho was especially impressive, cutting in from the left to both provide Arouna Koné and try his own luck, but with no end product. Meanwhile the visitors were largely penned back.

Despite their lack of chances, Getafe took the lead in the 31st minute. A superb ball over the top from Javier Casquero found Dani Güiza, who atoned for his poor performance last week with a goal halfway between sublime and ridiculous. His control to bring down the long pass was beautifully reminiscent of Dennis Bergkamp's strike against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup; his shot straight at Gustavo Munúa somewhat less so. But the ball deflected off the Uruguayan 'keeper, hit Güiza in the shins, and rolled goalwards for the opener.

Nonetheless Levante continued to dominate heading into the break and beyond. Ten minutes after the restart Arouna Koné, teed up by Sergio Ballesteros, so nearly scored with an overhead kick from close range, but his effort was fortunately bound for the woodwork.

Yet the day went Getafe's way when eight minutes from time substitute Diego Castro pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area to score into an empty net. The chance began when once again Levante's high line was punished by a pass over the top for Dani Güiza, who once again prompted the deflection that led to the goal.

Getafe were left nervous in the final minute as Alberto Lopo saw red for a handball in the box, Rubén Suárez dispatching the resulting penalty.

But it was too little too late for the hosts. Getafe, despite holding less of the ball and having fewer chances, left with another priceless victory, cementing their place in the top half ahead of the visit of Real Madrid on Saturday evening - a match they will contest without both Lopo and the injured Rafa, leading to difficulties in the centre of defence.

Levante: Munúa; Javi Venta, Ballesteroes, Del Horno, Juanfran; Xavi Torres (Iborra 82), Farinós; El Zhar (Rafa Jordá 79), Rubén Suárez, Botelho (Óscar Serrano 69); Koné.

Getafe: Moyà; Valera, Lopo, Cata Díaz, Masilela; Abdel Barrada, Juan Rodríguez, Casquero (Lacen 70), Gavilán (Diego Castro 59); Dani Güiza (Miguel Torres 84), Miku.
Red card: Lopo 90' (handball)

Racing Santander 1-2 Getafe: Comeback victory gives Getafe breathing space

2012-01-21T18:51:00.000Z

1-0 Stuani 13'
1-1 Gavilán 25'
1-2 Miku 83'

Despite early stumbles, Getafe fight back to secure a deserved victory...
... Mistakes from both sides prevented further goals ...

Getafe showed character to fight back for victory from a goal down at Racing Santander, but coach Luis García will be all too aware that on another day the visitors' profligacy may have been punished.

Nonetheless the Azulones did recover from a poor start to secure a vital three points, giving them respite from a tight relegation race and also ensuring that Geta have taken an impressive 11 points from the last 15.

Racing took a deserved lead in the 13th minute when Rafa inexplicably played a fast pass across his own goalmouth, where former Geta man Adrián González was waiting to play it to Christian Stuani for an easy finish. Rafa was withdrawn through injury shortly afterwards in what will surely rank as the stopper's worst day of his career.

Five minutes later Getafe should have levelled. Abdel Barrada sprung a world-class through ball to Dani Güiza, but when faced one-on-one with Toño Rodríguez he ran the ball straight into the 'keeper's arms.

The visitors were back on level terms midway through the half. Barrada launched a fine cross from the right, and with the Racing defence bunched in the middle of the six-yard box, the ball fell to Jaime Gavilán unmarked at the far post to gently lift home his first goal of the season.

On the half hour mark Getafe had another great chance through Güiza: the veteran forward got a fine touch on it this time but Toño - having an excellent game - was equal to the task. Exemplifying an equal half, Stuani then missed a sitter at the other end.

Six minutes into the second half some great close interplay in the box presented Gavilán and then Güiza with excellent chances from close range, but Toño once again proved the saviour for an uncoordinated Racing defence.

Although Getafe were having the best of the play, Cata Díaz sprung them from jail on the hour mark when Álvaro seemed set to steer goalwards unmarked after a corner.

Still, the visitors were clearly the better side in the second half, a combination of great work from Toño and a lack of composure in the box from Getafe keeping the score at 1-1.

Dani Güiza was the biggest culprit in terms of chances missed, and Geta almost paid the price twelve minutes from time when Lautaro Acosta was put through on goal, only for Moyà to pull off a vital save.

Finally the pressure paid off eight minutes from time as Getafe, taking advantage of Racing's wide line, hit on the break. Diego Castro clipped the ball into the middle, Marc Torrejón made a hash of his interception, and all that was left was for Miku to control and then shoot from twelve yards to give his side the lead.

Getafe switched off after taking the lead and nearly paid for it several times in the closing minutes, but ultimately held on for a merited win.

Next for the Madrid outfit is a trip to Valencia to meet Levante, who despite a recent dip in form remain in the top four.

Racing: Toño; Álvaro, Torrejón, Bernardo, Cisma; Papa Diop, Colsa (Tziolis 46); Arana (Kennedy 65), Adrián, Acosta; Stuani (Jairo 52).

Getafe: Moyà; Valera, Cata Díaz, Rafa (Lopo 16), Barrada (Diego Castro 79), Míchel, Casquero, Gavilán (Pedro León 61'); Dani Güiza, Miku.

Real Zaragoza 1-1 Getafe: Late fightback preserves unbeaten record

2012-01-14T19:23:00.000Z

1-0 Lanzaro 38'
1-1 og (Paredes) 78'

Disappointing showing against the basement boys - but one point is brought home...
... Getafe now haven't lost in four matches ahead of the grudge clash at Santander...

Getafe came from behind to secure a draw against last-placed Real Zaragoza, whose impressive home support and fighting spirit was not enough to end their shocking winless run that now stretches to three months.

The Azulones have every reason to be disappointed with the outcome, but had they been offered a draw at half time there is no doubting that coach Luis García would have accepted.

Zaragoza's fans - in the midst of a vocal protest against the club's leadership - were out in force to see their side start strongly, with Ivan Obradovic bringing out the best in Miguel Moyà early on after a corner.

Ten minutes from the break a fine Dani Güiza header similarly tested Roberto at the other end.

But mere seconds later, Luis García's corner found Maurizio Lanzaro, whose excellent headed effort was too much for the visiting 'keeper to deal with.

Getafe tried to fight back as Javier Casquero moved forwards and outwards to support Abdel Barrada, but the first half ended without another goal.

After the break the visitors threw men forward, introducing Diego Castro and the back-from-injury Pedro León in an attempt to overload the Aragonese outfit.

Zaragoza, for their part, also tried to break forward, but they were left heartbroken as twelve minutes from time Pedro León's corner was attacked by Rafa and the home defence, at sixes and sevens, suddenly had the ball in their own net through ex-Getafe man Javier Paredes.

Next Saturday brings a trip to Cantabria to meet Racing Santander in what is usually a fraught encounter.

Zaragoza: Roberto; Lanzaro, Da Silva, Paredes, Obradovic (Edu Oriol 90); Zuculini (Abraham 84), Pintér; Rubén Micael, Luis García, Lafita (Aranda 72); Helder Postiga.

Getafe: Moyà; Valera, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Masilela; Pedro Ríos (Diego Castro 58), Míchel, Casquero (Pedro León 71), Abdel Barrada; Dani Güiza (Juan Rodríguez 90), Miku.

Getafe 0-0 Athletic Bilbao: Lively second half brings no goals

2012-01-08T15:58:00.002Z

Winter shutdown ends with a game of two halves at the Coliseum...
... After a dull first period the hosts couldn't take their chances in the second...

Getafe failed to make it three games in a row but at least retained their recent unbeaten record courtesy of a 0-0 draw with a fairly nondescript Athletic Bilbao side in Madrid on Sunday afternoon.

The first period saw few opportunities, with Miku's early header being saved well by Gorka Iraizoz and Andoni Iraola failing to connect properly with an Iker Muniain cross within the first fifteen minutes.

From there the match slowed down significantly heading towards the break, with only a booking for Dani Güiza - awarded after a foul on Fernando Amorebieta - enlivening a dull encounter.

Seconds after the break Miku drove over from close range as Athletic started the half looking vulnerable to a Pedro Ríos cross from the right, giving the home fans hope of more exciting moments to come.

This proved to be the case as Geta put on a real show in the second half, pausing for breath only when Athletic had a Javi Martínez goal - also involving the freshly-uninjured Fernando Llorente - correctly ruled out for offside after a deep free-kick.

Athletic were in fact finding themselves frustrated by Geta's high line, and at the other end Miku continued to pose a danger until the dying minutes, his header twelve minutes from time proving a tough one for Gorka.

Of course Miguel Moyà had a few tasks to complete at the other end, but it was clear that Getafe were on top and that only a lack of cutting edge prevented their taking all three points.

Thus Getafe will end the weekend mid-table and just a scant few points above the dropzone. Next week brings a trip to Zaragoza, who are dead last in the Liga standings.

Getafe: Moyà, Valera, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Masilela; Pedro Ríos (Gavilán 71), Míchel, Casquero (Lacen 77), Abdel; Miku, Dani Güiza (Diego Castro 82).

Athletic Bilbao: Gorka Iraizoz; Iraola, Javi Martínez, Amorebieta, Aurtentxe; Iturraspe, De Marcos (San José 54); Susaeta, Ander, Muniain (Ibai 83); Toquero (Llorente 64).

Note: Peña Getafense Escocia is now back from its winter hiatus, which was due to vacation.

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

2011-11-20T17:00:00.001Z

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)

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

2011-11-06T22:56:00.000Z

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.

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

2011-10-29T12:49:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-10-26T21:04:00.002+01:00

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.

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

2011-10-23T11:10:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-10-15T13:16:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-10-01T22:53:00.001+01:00

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)

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

2011-09-26T21:53:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-09-22T22:12:00.003+01:00

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).

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

2011-09-18T19:12:00.000+01:00

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).

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

2011-09-10T20:57:00.000+01:00

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.

Pedro León returns to Getafe from Real Madrid

2011-08-31T14:16:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-08-28T18:52:00.002+01:00

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.

Dani Güiza, Zombies & Strikes

2011-08-19T16:19:00.000+01:00

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.

Two in, two out - so far

2011-05-27T23:14:00.006+01:00

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.

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.

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

2011-05-21T22:53:00.002+01:00

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.

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

2011-05-15T20:21:00.007+01:00

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.

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

2011-05-12T09:20:00.001+01:00

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.

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

2011-05-07T18:31:00.004+01:00

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.

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

2011-05-01T19:48:00.000+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-25T18:15:00.004+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-24T18:25:00.007+01:00

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.

Getafe sold to Royal Emirates Group

2011-04-21T13:14:00.003+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-20T14:48:00.004+01:00

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.

Getafe Team Dubai? No clarity around Middle Eastern investment

2011-04-19T21:25:00.005+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-16T18:50:00.001+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-11T21:51:00.004+01:00

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.

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

2011-04-02T16:45:00.007+01:00

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.

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

2011-03-06T17:50:00.004Z

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.)

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

2011-03-02T20:58:00.005Z

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.

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

2011-02-27T17:48:00.003Z

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.

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

2011-02-20T17:51:00.003Z

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').

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

2011-02-13T17:59:00.001Z

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.

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

2011-02-05T18:52:00.001Z

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'.)

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

2011-01-29T18:17:00.004Z

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.

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

2011-01-25T18:08:00.002Z

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.

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

2011-01-23T17:39:00.005Z

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').

Getafe 0-4 Real Sociedad: Early and late sucker-punches stun the Azulones

2011-01-15T18:55:00.003Z

0-1 Xabi Prieto (pen.) 9'
0-2 Griezmann 32'
0-3 Aranburu 87'
0-4 Aranburu 88'

A bitterly disappointing result sees Getafe lose ground in the race for Europe...
... Txuri-urdin scored early, while Getafe couldn't find their shooting boots...

A wasteful and careless performance from Getafe saw underdogs Real Sociedad run out 4-0 winners at the Coliseum to bring the first half of the La Liga season to a close.

While Geta will be pleased to finish the ida round in the top half, they will nonetheless be devastated at suffering a home defeat to the off-form San Sebastian side on the 19th matchday.

Míchel had a near-full squad to choose from, with only Pedro Ríos missing from the regular first XI. Víctor Sánchez dropped into the pivot to allow Dani Parejo a slot in attacking midfield, further permitting Manu del Moral to move out to the right wing.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, were without Alberto de la Bella at centre-back, necessitating the inclusion of Mikel Labaka. David Zurutuza's absence in midfield necessitated the inclusion of Gorka Elustondo in the pivot - a selection choice by coach Martín Lasarte that would prove inspired.

Despite Getafe's bright start, matters quickly turned dark for the hosts as Real won an early penalty. Jordi Codina tipped away a deep Xabi Prieto cross, but only as far as Miguel Torres, who clearly hand-balled. Codina went the right way but Xabi Prieto's shot was low and true, giving the embattled Basques the lead.

Stats
Getafe - R. Sociedad
68% Possession 32%
3 Shots on target 4
10 Corners 2
90 Balls Lost 90
65 Balls Recovered 74
3 Yellow Cards 4
0 Red Cards 0
6 Fouls Committed 17

Things went from bad to worse for Geta on the half hour as Real doubled their advantage on the counter. Joseba Llorente's running cross met the unmarked Antoine Griezmann at the far post, the young Frenchman volleying a first-time shot off the pitch into the back of the net.

From there Getafe enjoyed the bulk of the chances and possession, but found themselves stymied time and again by profligate finishing.

This was especially true in terms of long shots: both Derek Boateng and Dani Parejo saw plenty of the ball and were useful in the pass, but whenever a shot presented itself on the edge of the area the fans behind the goal were in greater danger than visiting 'keeper Claudio Bravo.

Frustration found its way into Getafe's play late on, and even the introduction of Juan Albín in the second half couldn't prevent a further collapse.

The exodus from the stands was well underway by this point, but the seats empited out in earnest as Real managed a third on the counter right at the death. It was a brilliant team move that culminated in Xabi Prieto's cutting the ball back for a slotted finish from Mikel Aranburu.

Less than a minute later the txuri-urdin added an incredible fourth. Again it was a goal on the break and again it was Aranburu who finished the move off. Yet again Xabi Prieto sliced the ball in from the right flank, and again the Basque midfielder was unmarked to steer it into the net at the far post.

It was an ignominious end to one of Getafe's worst afternoons of the season, and one that will surely give Míchel a sleepness night. How ten of Geta's regular first eleven could capitulate so easily at home is a question with no clear answer - but it's up to the coach to dig until he finds one.

Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres (Albín 46'), Rafa, Cata Díaz, Mané (Marcano 62'); Boateng, Víctor Sánchez; Manu del Moral, Parejo, Gavilán (Mosquera 65'); Colunga.

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Estrada, Ansotegi, Labaka, Mikel González; Rivas (Markel 57'), Elustondo; Xabi Prieto, Zurutuza (Aranburu 84'), Griezmann (Sutil 67'); Joseba Llorente.

Getafe's best XI of the decade: 2000-2010

2011-01-12T23:55:00.005Z

At the request of ForzaFutbol I have compiled my best Getafe XI of the past decade. Of course as I only "seriously" started watching Getafe in 2006, I needed a little help. My gratitude to the posters at the Getafeweb forum for their assistance and advice.

Roberto 'Pato' Abbondanzieri (GK): The first name on the teamsheet and the man who more than any other exemplified Getafe's rise from minnows to La Liga mainstays. A real coup of a signing: as Argentina's number one he had plenty of options throughout Europe, but he chose Getafe. His twilight years were well-spent at the Coliseum, and although he is uncharitably remembered for high-profile errors against Bayern Munich he remains the only Geta player to have won Marca's "Zamora" award for top goalie, shipping just 32 league goals in the 2006-07 campaign.

Cosmin Contra (DR): A fiery figure who spent four injury-hit but brilliant years at the club, Contra was a tough-tackling, line-hugging full-back for the ages. A fan favourite due to his combative nature on the pitch, and a problem child in the dressing room due to the same off it, he was a player who, once seen, was never forgotten. Left under something of a cloud in 2010 but the memories of his tenure mark him out as the best and most influential right-back of the last ten years.

David Belenguer (DC): A defender neither fast nor tall, David Belenguer nonetheless served as Getafe's skipper and first choice centre-back for over half the decade. Present for all the team's best moments, including promotion, and always reliable. Still one of the most revered names in the club's history and still playing at the age of 38 at Real Betis.

Alexis (DC): It was virtually impossible to choose between Alexis and current centre-back Cata Díaz. Alexis only narrowly gets the nod: were it not for injuries his career might have gone in a better direction, but even so his calm, assured, almost languid defensive performances were a joy to behold during his all-too-brief stay at the Coliseum. A one-season wonder who should have remained..

Pernía (DL): The big-domed Argentine became Getafe's first Spanish international when he took citizenship and donned the red shirt before crossing town to join Atlético Madrid. Prior to that he was one of Getafe's greatest finds, arriving from Recre in Geta's top-flight debut season. Like Contra, he wasn't a defender who restricted himself to his own half, but one who used every inch of the touchline.

Pedro León (MR): Like Alexis, Pedro only stopped at the Coliseum for a single campaign. But the impact he had was undeniable. The classiest right-midfielder in the club's history - ousting even Pablo Hernández - Pedro was as likely to score goals as he was to set them up, and more often than not they were audacious screamers that most players wouldn't even try on the training ground. Ultimately sold to Real Madrid for €10m - his release clause.

Rubén de la Red (MC): A commanding, sophisticated midfielder whose career was sadly cut short in its prime. De la Red enjoyed one tremendous season at Getafe in which he would become the best pivot the club had ever seen. Alongside erstwhile Madrid teammate Esteban Granero he formed a devastating trigger to most attacking moves, and his positional sense was well-utilised in the defensive phase. He rejoined his boyhood club Madrid in the summer of 2008; three months later his career was over due to heart trouble. He was just 23 when he hung up his boots to take up coaching.

Ángel Vivar Dorado (MC): Of all the players on this list, Vivar Dorado joined the club the earliest, signing from nearby Rayo Vallecano in 2002. Prior to this he'd represented local rivals Leganés, Tenerife, and Racing - but it was at Getafe that he finally made his mark as a tenacious and classy attacking midfielder. Always entertaining to watch, his was the name on most replica shirts in the middle of the decade.

Jaime Gavilán (MR): Narrowly the best left-sided player in the club's history, there is a nagging feeling that despite Jaime's undoubted talents, he's yet to fully unleash his potential. Still, he's a mainstay on the left wing and offers a great deal of finesse and control when on the ball. Spent two loan spells at the club before finally signing on full-time in 2008: now he's considered an automatic first pick.

Roberto Soldado (ST): Two seasons and over 30 goals, Roberto Soldado is now onto bigger and better things at Valencia, having been let go by boyhood club Real Madrid earlier in his career. What a poor piece of judgement from the Bernabéu side, who failed to see the potential that the rest of Spanish football noticed in Soldado's pace, power, control, and of course that deadly shot. A true team player who breaks the mould of the "poaching" forward.

Dani Güiza (ST): Dani didn't manage quite as many goals in Madrid as did Roberto, but in his two seasons at Getafe he nonetheless proved himself to be one of the league's fastest-improving forwards. Never the type to drop back too much, he was a penalty-box forward of the old school, and had a fierce and accurate shot that put most other forwards to shame. Eventually re-joined Mallorca and is now at Fenerbahce in Turkey. Every so often he's linked with a move back to Geta - how the fans wish it were true!

Honorable Mentions (7-Man Subs' Bench): Jordi Codina (GK); Cata Díaz (DC), Javier Paredes (DR); Derek Boateng (DM/MC), Manu del Moral (AMC/AML/ST), Pablo Hernández (AMR); Gica (ST).

Getafe sign Juan Rodríguez on a pre-contract from Deportivo La Coruña

2011-01-11T21:37:00.003Z

Getafe have made their first summer signing by landing central midfielder Juan Rodríguez on a Bosman deal.

The former Málaga player has been at the Riazor since 2006, racking up over 150 appearances in that time.

With his contract set to expire, Getafe president Ángel Torres has moved to secure his signature for next season.

Rodríguez has signed a deal of unknown duration and could yet be joined by Depor teammate Alberto Lopo. Marca claims that the experienced centre-back is also on Torres' shopping list and could be the next pre-contract arrival at the Coliseum.

Incomings, Outgoings

The addition to the squad of Rodríguez may signify greater changes to come. Currently the double pivot in coach Míchel's 4-2-3-1 is occupied by Derek Boateng and Dani Parejo: with rumours that one or both of these players could be subject to bids from larger sides, it is not impossible that Rodríguez is being eyed as a replacement.

On the other hand, Parejo could simply move further up the pitch, leaving Rodríguez to slot into his place. That, then, may spell the end for long-serving midfielder Javier Casquero or bit-part man Borja Fernández, the latter of whom only arrived at Geta this past summer.

Osasuna 0-0 Getafe: Azulones weather second-half storm to leave with draw

2011-01-09T17:49:00.008Z

A game of poor finishing and much excitement ends goalless...
... The visitors started well but were clearly second-best in the closing 45

Getafe may have enjoyed some fine first half chances but in the end were grateful to leave Pamplona with a point after Osasuna dominated the second half of an entertaining fixtre in La Liga.

The hosts struggled early on but came out for the second period looking mobile and ambitious, and only poor finishing on their part saw this game end without a name on the scoresheet.

Despite the lack of definition from the strikers this was a fine match for the spectator with plenty of talking points, and from a Getafe supporter's perspective even the damp second half showing was an improvement on Thursday's debacle against Real Betis.

Osasuna lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 with goal-shy Carlos Aranda starting alone up front, while versatile youngster Oier moved into midfield with Damia dropping back to full-back.

Getafe opted to use Javier Arizmendi as the lone striker in the continued absence of Adrián Colunga, while Manu del Moral skippered the team from the number 10 position with the rest of the side lining up as expected.

Kristztian Vadócz almost set up Aranda for the opener after just six minutes, but the forward, who got the best of Rafa, failed to take advantage of his chance.

Ten minutes later Jaime Gavilán teed up Arizmendi for a chance of similar quality but again the forward was found wanting when it mattered.

Gavilán was looking best for Getafe an was always active

Stats
Osasuna - Getafe
56% Possession 44%
4 Shots on goal 7
7 Corners 10
105 Balls Lost 109
87 Balls Recovered 85
4 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
14 Fouls Committed 10

on the counter in a first half in which the Azulones more than held their own.

Dani Parejo, meanwhile, took a while to get going but when he did it was worth the wait, as five minutes before the break he brought out a tremendous save from home 'keeper Ricardo after a stunning solo effort.

After the interval, though, Getafe met an Osasuna side clearly all the better for their fifteen-minute break, and the hosts began to control the match in earnest.

After the interval Osasuna enjoyed fifteen minutes of near-uninterrupted pressure, much to the delight of the famously vocal home fans. A series of efforts from outside the area threatened Geta's security, with Juanfran's swerving low effort coming the closest.

Osasuna claimed for a penalty for handball against Derek Boateng after the hour mark, but this was a sign of desperation as there was really no contact: for all Osasuna's dominance in possession it seemed as though a spot kick was the only way they'd be able to truly test Jordi Codina.

Home coach José Antonio Camacho made two changes heading into the final twenty minutes, bringing on Dejan Lekic in midfield and Walter Pandiani up front, but in fact this disrupted the flow of the Navarre side's attacks somewhat.

Still, Osasuna were the better side in the closing stages and Getafe struggled to make headway. Interestingly visiting coach Míchel did not make his substitutions until just five minutes from time, with Víctor Sánchez coming on for Gavilán and Juan Ángel Albín replacing Arizmendi to run down the clock until full time.

Osasuna will thus finish the weekend six points clear of the dropzone, while Getafe miss the chance to threaten the top six. Next up for the Azulones is a home match with Real Sociedad to close off the first half of the season, while Osasuna travel to on-form Villarreal.

Osasuna: Ricardo; Damiá, Sergio, Miguel Flaño, Nelson; Lolo (Lekic 66'), Puñal; Juanfran, Vadócz, Camuñas (Calleja 84'); Aranda (Pandiani 66').

Getafe: Codina; Torres, Rafa, Cata Díaz, Mané; Boateng, Parejo; Pedro Ríos (Albín 47'), Gavilán (Mosquera 76'), Manu del Moral (Casquero 66'); Miku.

Manu del Moral agrees terms with Atlético Madrid, says Marca

2011-01-06T19:40:00.003Z

Getafe skipper Manu del Moral could be on his way back to his boyhood club, according to Radio Marca.

The 26-year-old arrived at Getafe from Atleti in 2006 and since then has established himself as a key player at the Coliseum.

However, Radio Marca reporter Alfredo Dura claims that the Azulones would not stand in the way of Manu's move back across the Manzanares to Atleti, providing that the transfer fee is correct.

With Manu under contract until the summer of 2012, a price tag in the low millions is not out of the question, now that terms have apparently been agreed upon between new club and player.

While the absence of a popular and versatile attacker will dent Getafe's hopes for the season, there is at least the possibility that the money received for Manu - combined with that for summer departures Roberto Soldado and Pedro León - may be re-invested in the squad for next season.

Getafe 1-3 Real Betis (3-4 agg.): Copa del Rey adventure ends with a whimper

2011-01-06T15:00:00.002Z

0-1 Jorge Molina 56'
0-2 Rubén Castro 72'
0-3 Rubén Castro 90'
1-3 Casquero 90+2'

Barcelona spoils go to Béticos as Getafe surrender at home...
... worst performance of the season enough to undo good work of first leg

Getafe crashed out of the Copa del Rey after a dreadful second-half performance at home against Segunda División giants Real Betis.

The Andalucians to their credit, were in great form, and were it not for home 'keeper Oscar Ustari they might indeed have won by a greater margin.

Only in the second half did Jorge Molina hit a deft floating shot that finally beat the Argentine, before Rubén Castro took advantage of a great pass from Salva Sevilla to add a second.

Castro added a third with a rolled shot right at the death, and while skipper Javier Casquero showed fighting spirit to pull one back deep into stoppage time it was nowhere near enough.

Real Betis fully deserve their meeting with Barcelona in the next round. Getafe now must focus on the league.

Getafe: Ustari; Pablo Pintos, Rafa (cata Díaz 57'), Marcano, Miguel Torres; Víctor Sánchez, Boateng; Mosquera (Manu del Moral 46'), Parejo (Casquero 69'), Albín; Miku.

Real Betis: Casto; Isidoro, Miki Roqué, Chechu Dorado (Arzu 62'), Nacho; Salva Sevilla, Beñat, Iriney, Emaná (Ezequiel 51'); Rubén Castro, Molina (Israel 80').

Adrián Colunga could make bench return against Real Betis

2011-01-05T15:31:00.005Z

Getafe's star striker Adrián Colunga has trained normally after overcoming an Achilles tendon injury and is in the provisional squad to face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

However, coach Míchel has stated that the forward will not start the match, but instead may play from the bench.

"Adrián has completed his first training session, but under no circumstances will he be a starter," he told Marca.

Pedro Ríos, stricken with a stomach bug, is also in the 22-man list but is very unlikely to play.

Only central defender Mario, out long-term with a tendon injury. He is due to return around March.

Getafe are 2-1 up on aggregate against Real Betis, with the second leg taking place at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Thursday at 12:00 local time.

Pedro Ríos the latest Getafe star to fall prey to illness

2011-01-04T22:18:00.003Z

On-form Getafe winger Pedro Ríos is set to miss Thursday's Copa del Rey encounter against Real Betis due to gastroenteritis.

The former Xerez man had to leave the field early during Geta's 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid on Monday night, being replaced by Juan Ángel Albín shortly after half-time.

Coach Míchel told As after the match that the 29-year-old was in fact ill for most of the week, and that it was touch-and-go as to whether or not he'd take part at all.

Now, it seems, that he's laid low ahead of Thursday's match with the Béticos. Getafe lead 2-1 on aggregate following the first leg in Seville.

Getafe-Real Madrid reactions: Ángel Torres says it wasn't a penalty, José Mourinho cagey, Dani Parejo argues Geta could have equalised

2011-01-04T15:12:00.001Z

Ángel Torres: "Madrid didn't deserve this result. An error made the difference between us and them, but, well, this isn't our league, and we gave a good account of ourselves.

"Di María's penalty wasn't a penalty. If that merited a whistle you'd see 20 every day. Referees are human and make mistakes. Now we need to think ahead to Thursday and the Copa del Rey knockout stages.

"Dani Parejo? Madrid's idea is to recover, but we have to speak later."

Dani Parejo: "We had opportunities to level the game. We came out strongly, as this is a match that always motivates you to play well. Against Real Madrid we wanted to do our best to avoid what happened last year.

"Despite losing we played well. We had a positive mindset at all times: despite going two-nil down early on it was an open match. We gave Real Madrid some dangerous moments and the coach congratulated us despite our loss."

"The penalty? It was doubtful.

José Mourinho: "Penalties, I've only seen on TV, like that of weeks ago at Osasuna and Cristiano Ronaldo's at Camp Nou. From the bench it was difficult to see today's.

"It was a strange game: at the beginning it could have been a thrashing, but at the end of the first half it felt like we'd lost control and had to change focus. In the second half we started well and that calmed us, but Arbeloa's red card and the Getafe goal made us suffer untol the last second.

"Kaká is back and that's fantastic news for Real Madrid and the world of football."

Getafe 2-3 Real Madrid: Controversial penalty sets stage for hard-fought Blanco win

2011-01-03T22:50:00.030Z

0-1 Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.) 11'
0-2 Özil 19'
1-2 Parejo 28'
1-3 Cristiano Ronaldo 57'
2-3 Albín 85'

Cristiano Ronaldo nets twice as Real Madrid win again...
... A match with two fine goals, two defensive gaffes, and one controversial penalty

Real Madrid were worth their win against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfono Pérez on Monday evening, but the debate over their opening goal is set to rage on long after the pitch is empty.

Angel Di María went down in the box under pressure from Getafe left-back Mané after eleven minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo converting the resulting spot-kick: still pictures show that Mané had a hand on the Argentine's shirt, but the Getafe players fiercely protested, stating that contact was minimal.

There were to be no question marks over the second goal. Di María was again involved, this time springing a perfect through ball for the fleet-footed Mesut Özil, who rounded Jordi Codina for a narrow-angled finish. A superb piece of teamwork it was, but it found the Getafe centre-backs wanting all the same.

Stats
53% Possession 47%
5 Shots on goal 5
3 Corners 2
87 Balls Lost 85
60 Balls Recovered 62
4 Yellow Cards 5
0 Red Cards 1
14 Fouls Committed 21

Of even finer quality was Dani Parejo's effort ten minutes later. The former Real Madrid youth halved the deficit with a superb solo effort, weaving past Raul Albiol and Lass Diarra into the box before firing past Iker Casillas into the far corner.

Getafe came out strongly after the break but succumbed to another Cristiano Ronaldo goal. Jordi Codina issued a dreadful clearance as far as Özil, who in turn provided Karim Benzema to set up CR9 for an easy finish.

The hosts tried to press forward but succeeded mainly in leaving themselves exposed at the back, resulting in a series of chances for Madrid: one of these, a three-on-one occasion, should have resulted in a goal, but a lazy finish from Benzema saw Codina gather the ball to his considerable relief.

In the last fifteen minutes - after Real Madrid's long-awaited reintroduction of Kaká - Getafe began to seize possession once more, and they were given a glimmer of hope in the 81st when Álvaro Arbeloa saw a second yellow card for handling a deep Mané cross.

Almost immediately Getafe took advantage, substitute Juan Ángel Albín bundling home a Pedro Mosquera cross after a dreadful touch in the box from Marcelo left the ball in the Uruguayan's path.

But despite pressing to the end neither side could add a sixth goal to the evening. Real Madrid thus end the weekend two points behind Barcelona at the top, while Getafe remain seventh on 26.

Getafe: Codina; Torres, Rafa, Cata Díaz, Mané; Boateng, Parejo; Pedro Ríos (Albín 47'), Gavilán (Mosquera 76'), Manu del Moral (Casquero 66'); Miku.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo; Lass (Khedira 46'), Xabi Alonso; Di María, Özil (Garay 85'), Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema (Kaká 75').

Getafe-Real Madrid line-ups confirmed

2011-01-03T20:31:00.000Z

Both teams have confirmed their line-ups for La Liga's matchday 17 encounter between Getafe and Real Madrid. The elevens and benches are as follows:

Getafe: Codina; Torres, Rafa, Cata Díaz, Mané; Boateng, Parejo; Pedro Ríos, Gavilán, Manu del Moral; Miku.
Subs: Ustari; Kas, Pintos; Mosquera, Casquero; Arizmendi, Albín.
Key points: Boateng recovers from flu in time to start. Otherwise it's as expected.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo; Lass, Xabi Alonso; Di María, Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema.
Subs: Adán; Garay; Khedira, Gago, Granero, Pedro León, Kaka.
Key points: Lassana Diarra has won the race to join Xabi Alonso in midfield, rendering Sami Khedira a substitute. Kaká is expected to play at least some of the second half.

See also the Getafe-Real Madrid preview.

Derek Boateng and Borja set to miss Real Madrid clash

2011-01-03T17:07:00.003Z

Borja Fernández has apparently not recovered in time to start against Real Madrid on Monday evening, according to Marca. The defensive midfielder remains absent, although he could recover in time for the Thursday clash with Real Betis.

More worrying is the fact that inspirational pivot Derek Boateng could well miss tonight's Madrid encounter. The Ghana international missed training last week due to flu and his recovery has not gone as quickly as hoped.

Nonetheless he has been included in the provisional 19-man list for tonight's game, with Alberto Escassi drafted in to cover in case Derek fails to make it.

Tonight's predicted line-up is thus amended to have Casquero in place of Boateng.

Real Madrid Castilla 0-1 Getafe B: Second string sets a good omen?

2011-01-03T16:16:00.003Z

0-1 Rudy 2'

Getafe's reserves stay in the promotion hunt with a narrow away win...
... has the stage been set for a first team victory on Monday evening?

Getafe B pulled off a 1-0 win over their Real Madrid counterparts on Sunday afternoon in what Azules fans will hope was a dress-rehearsal for the match between the first teams on Monday night.

21-year-old midfielder Rudy scored his fourth league goal in five starts after just two minutes, and this proved to be the only strike of the game.

Thus Geta B remain in fifth place, one point and spot off the promotion play-off zone, while Castilla are a distant tenth.

Getafe B entered the Segunda B for the first time this season after winning their promotion play-off against Portugalete back in June.

Getafe - Real Madrid Preview: La Liga Jornada 17

2011-01-02T21:00:00.019Z

Primera División: Jornada 17
Monday January 3, 22:00 CET
Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Getafe

Getafe's much-deserved winter break will come to an end in dramatic circumstances on Monday night as the Azulones host near-neighbours Real Madrid in La Liga's seventeenth matchday.

The famous Galácticos are trying to keep pace with Barcelona at the league's summit, while Getafe's recent run of excellent form has propelled the hosts to seventh position in the table.

A mere look at the clubs' respective statures - not to mention wage bills - would suggest an easy away victory, but in fact matches between these sides are often close and frequently shocking. Overall Getafe have won fully four of the twelve league meetings between the sides, with the Blancos coming out victorious in six.

Familiarity may breed contempt among the fans, but the opposite is true at board level. Getafe president Ángel Torres is a Real Madrid socio, coach Míchel a former Bernabéu player, and of course there is no shortage of former Madrid talent in the Getafe line-up. At the other end, Pedro Léon left the Coliseum for Chamartín in the close season, while centre-back Raúl Albiol spent his early career at Geta on loan from Valencia.

Last Season

Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe (Higuaín 2)

Getafe 2-4 Real Madrid (Parejo, Pedro León - C. Ronaldo 2, Higuaín 2)

But the two sides' supporters, as mentioned, do not get on well. Real Madrid defeneder Pepe raked his studs down Javier Casquero's back in a fraught encounter at the end of the 2008-09 season; stewards at the Bernabéu have taunted Getafe fans in the past; and overall the atmosphere is not expected to be pleasant.

Getafe are still without Adrián Colunga and Pedro Mosquero due to injury, while Víctor Sánchez and Iván Marcano are suspended. Other than that, coach Míchel has pledged not to change from his usual 4-2-3-1, stating that Madrid hold no fear for his side. Borja Fernández's return from injury, meanwhile, could help the boss steel up the defensive midfield if so required in the second period.

Míchel's opposite number José Mourinho doesn't have his sorrows to seek: he has just two forwards available, with Gonzalo Higuaín still being out of commission. Plus, starting centre-backs Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe are both banned, meaning that a defensive reshuffle is on the cards. The only piece of good news for Mourinho is that Kaká is back after almost a year on the sidelines, although he may not start this encounter.

Probable line-ups

Getafe

Real Madrid

Feliz Navidad from Getafe Escocia

2010-12-25T22:08:00.002Z

Getafe Escocia would like to wish you and yours a pleasant and merry Christmas, and a fulfilling and prosperous New Year.

Needless to say the blog wishes the same of everyone at Getafe CF.

Copa del Rey: Real Betis 1-2 Getafe

2010-12-22T23:54:00.001Z

0-1 Miku 27'
0-2 Pedro Ríos 35'
1-2 Jorge Molina (pen.) 87'

Narrow first leg advantage hard won in Andalucía
... Miku and Pedro Ríos continue their hot streaks into the year's end...

Getafe took a huge leap towards the Copa del Rey round of 16 with a 2-1 win at Real Betis.

The Madrid side thus ended 2010 with yet another consecutive win and a good performance, spoiled only by the concession of a late penalty.

Miku opened the scoring just before the half-hour after stabbing home from a corner following Iván Marcano's flick-on.

Pedro Ríos, perhaps Geta's player of the season so far, then netted a deserved second on the counter with a brilliantly placed strike from 20 yards out.

Getafe were well in control but surrendered a late goal when Miguel Torres needlessly brought down Ezequiel Calvente with a clumsy challenge. Jorge Molina beat Oscar Ustari with ease to keep the tie alive ahead of the second leg in Getafe in early January.

The winners of this encounter will meet either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao in the next stage. The Blaugrana could only manage a 0-0 draw at home in their first leg.

Real Betis: Casto; Isidoro, Beleguer, Chechu Dorado, Fernando Vega; Salva Sevilla, Arzu (Ezequiel 46'), Beñat (Juande 68'), Israel (Rodri 61'); Rubén Castro, Jorge Molina.

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Rafa, Marcano, Mané; Boateng, Parejo; Pedro Ríos (Casquero 82'), Manu del Moral (Arizmendi 64'), Gavilán (Víctor Sánchez 76'); Miku.

The strange case of Míchel

2010-12-19T18:14:00.009Z

The fickle nature of football and its supporters is well known, but no more comprehensible for that. After all, has Getafe coach Míchel really changed over the past five weeks? Was a man deemed by some of the national media to be incapable of arresting his team's decline really a hero-in-waiting all along? Or is it the case that Míchel has done what he's always done, and that instead his players have risen to the challenge?

It's impossible to tell, but there are some things we know about the coach who's gone from sack-race favourite to hot property in just one short month. Unfortunately, it's the case that the more we know, the less we understand.

Míchel is not a friendly man. He is gruff, even combative at times, and he has made it abundantly plain on a number of occasions that he is no badge-kisser. When Getafe released his son, Adrián, from playing duty during the summer, Míchel told the press that the president would not have done this if he was not Adrián's father. In numerous interviews he has described, perhaps even made light of, Getafe's status as a small club with a tiny band of quietly fuming fans. Other coaches may opt to make the underdog status of their team a mark of pride: for Míchel it is instead a point for frustration, maybe even contempt.

Yet at the same time the man who seldom leaves any critical thought unspoken has crafted a remarkable team spirit at the Coliseum. When Getafe pulled off that ostensibly job-saving 3-1 win at Sevilla, the players rushed as one to their coach to celebrate. Weeks later, with a fourth consecutive league win on the board at Almería, the same scenes repeated themselves. A coach who apparently has little time for anyone but himself has, paradoxically, won the hearts and minds of his playing staff in a way that perhaps no Getafe coach since the Segunda days has truly managed. (This isn't to downplay the contributions of the likes of Schuster or Laudrup a bit - rather to say that, despite their successes, they never quite managed the almost Spartan adulation we see between players and coach now.)

Míchel's contract is up in June. Five weeks ago, this short deal meant for cheap compensation upon termination, and thus the likelihood of Míchel's being out of work long before that. Now, of course, it means that those clubs in Spain and elsewhere eyeing a change of coach can add another name to their shortlist. Will he extend his contract? That's doubtful. He has made no secret of the fact that Getafe is a stepping stone. In true Míchel fashion, what he says is abundantly true, yet it is still strange to hear it from a coach: Getafe are a selling club who can only ever go so far, regardless of who is in charge. Míchel may well be the man to take Getafe to their glass ceiling this year, but one imagines that if a better offer comes his way he will not hesitate to up sticks rather than take another crack at Europe. Clubs as diverse as Atlético Madrid, Deportivo, maybe even Sevilla could have their eye on the coach: each offers a unique challenge and greater potential than the Coliseum has to offer.

The worry, then, is that if Míchel leaves, his stars will go with him. After a rocky start he's managed to compensate for the departures of both Roberto Soldado and Pedro León, but it's the lot of the selling club that they may have to rebuild all over again come summer. This time, though, it will most likely be a different man charged with coaching the new-look squad. The new boss may well smile at press conferences, pander to the fans and the president, and otherwise comport himself with the dignity and character befitting a modest team's coach. But will he manage 3-1 wins at Sevilla? Ten-man victories against Villarreal? Will he have eleven men surround him with embraces and cheers at full-time in a regular league match? We'll see. And as for Míchel, if he can build this kind of spirit in a squad larger and more star-studded than Getafe's, his is a seriously bright future in coaching.

Jornada 16: Almería 2-3 Getafe

2010-12-19T18:02:00.004Z

1-0 Kalu Uche 7'
2-0 Ulloa 24'
2-1 Manu del Moral 29'
2-2 Miku 48'
2-3 Boateng 70'

Stunning Getafe fightback ensures fourth consecutive Liga win
Azulones to finish the weekend no lower than seventh

Getafe pulled off a remarkable 3-2 win at Almería on Sunday afternoon, picking up all three points despite being two goals down midway through the first half.

The Madrid side's spirit and technical proficiency was clearly evident from the half-hour mark onwards, with some excellent attacking play both out wide and through the middle being on display.

Coach Míchel - who as recently as a month ago was said to be fearing for his job - must now be considered some of Spain's hottest property after his charges propelled themselves to sixth place in the standings as of full time, with Atlético Madrid still to play.

Things seemed to be going the way of the relegation-threatened hosts when after seven minutes Kalu Uche - brother of former Getafe striker Ikechukwu - opened the scoring. The Nigerian was left unmarked in the middle of the box to head home Albert Crusat's floated cross from the left wing.

Leo Ulloa doubled the hosts' tally shortly afterwards with a tap-in following a goalmouth scramble in which the visitors failed to clear their lines.

Geta skipper Manu del Moral halved the deficit mere minutes later with a great solo effort from inside the box. The former Atleti forward broke through the corner of the area before sweeping a narrow-angled shot past Diego Alves into the far post.

From here Getafe went on to dominate, playing some of their best football of the season so far. The only surprise was that it took them so long to equalise. The vital leveler came just after the break, on-form Miku firing the ball through Alves' legs after Pedro Ríos' original effort was blocked.

The whole team was singing by this point and it fell to one of the impressive midfielders - Derek Boateng - to finish the job. Twenty minutes from time the Ghanaian scored a typically cool goal with a back-heel following Manu's excellent cut-back.

Almería poured forward in the final minutes but in fact the best chance fell to Pedro Ríos, who perhaps selfishly opted to shoot after a defensive error from the hosts gifted him the chance to slide the ball to the unmarked Miku.

Either way, every man in a blue shirt today can be proud of his performance. So too can those in suits and tracksuits: not for nothing did Boateng immediately rush to embrace coach Míchel upon scoring the winner.

Almería: Diego Alves; Juanma Ortiz, Carlos García, Acasiete, Jakobsen; Piatti, Mbami, Corona (Valeri 61), Crusat (José Ortiz 72); Ulloa, Kalu Uche.

Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres, Rafa, Marcano, Mané; Boateng, Parejo (Casquero 85); Pedro Ríos (Arizmendi 90), Manu, Gavilán (Víctor Sánchez 78); Miku.

Europa League: Getafe 1-0 Young Boys

2010-12-16T22:06:00.004Z

1-0 Adrían Sardinero 15'

Geta's good form continues with narrow win over Swiss
Meaningless fixture with poor crowd, but a positive result

1,200 fans at the freezing Coliseum Alfonso Pérez witnessed Getafe pull off an impressive win over Young Boys of Bern in their final Europa League appearance of the season.

To read too much into the result would be an error, given that Getafe were already eliminated and the Swiss already through, but a starting line-up containing two reserve players asserted its dominance over the course of the 90 minutes.

Of the four rookies that appeared - two enjoyed substitute appearances - the best by far was Adrián Sardinero, and the 20-year-old forward from Leganés scored his first European goal of his career and the only one of the match in the 15th minute. It was largely a solo effort down the left flank and a confident finish that was the better of Marco Wölfli.

It wouldn't be Getafe if there wasn't a downside to the evening: as well as the pitiful crowd - perhaps understandably, socios could not be lured to the Coliseum by free tickets - influential defender Cata Díaz went off injured just before half time.

Still, what has been a disappointing European campaign has ended overall on a pleasant note, and now the priority is La Liga. Getafe travel to Almería this weekend in pursuit of what would be a record-breaking fourth consecutive top-flight win.

Getafe: Ustari, Pintos, Kas (Miguel Torres 71), Cata Diaz (Alex 40), Cañas; Arizmendi (Escassi 56), Casquero, Mosquera, Albín; Colunga, Adrián Sardinero.
Young Boys: Wölfli; Sutter, Nef, Affolter, Spycher (Raimondi 57); Costanzo, Doubai, Hochstrasser (C. Schneuwly 57); Degen (M. Schneuwly 73), Mayuka, Lulic.

Europa League Preview: Getafe - BSC Young Boys

2010-12-14T19:34:00.008Z

Europa League Group Stage: Matchday 6
Thursday December 16, 21:05 CET
Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Getafe

Getafe's paymasters can expect to see a record low crowd on Thursday night as the Azulones welcome Young Boys of Bern to Madrid for a meaningless Europa League encounter.

With just a few UEFA euros to play for neither side has anything at stake in this fixture. Young Boys have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League in second place, while Getafe were eliminated by a late equaliser from OB Odense a fortnight ago.

Thus it'll be a cold occasion at the Coliseum, but one in which each coach may experiment a bit with his line-up.

Neither side is yet to name their squad but we know for sure that Jemal Ammar is suspended, while for Getafe left-back Mané suffers a similar fate. Meanwhile Javier Arizmendi and Mario are both out injured.

Europa League
Group H @ 5 Games
1. Stuttgart (12pts)
2. Young Boys (9pts)
3. Getafe (4pts)
4. OB (4pts)

It is almost certain that influential players from each team will take a much-needed break, and from Getafe's perspective this could allow fringe men to shine. Adrián Sardinero, the reserve forward, has been knocking on the first team door for some time, while Pedro Mosquera, Ibrahim Kas and Pablo Pintos may yet earn the first team opportunities that they so crave.

Geta have won their last three league games and will for reasons of momentum look to take a positive result here, but at this point coach Míchel will know that Europe is not worth worrying about. The fans, long since irritated by expensive tickets, know this too, and thus Young Boys are unlikely to be too impressed by the atmosphere on Thursday night.

The Swiss are eight points off the top in their own domestic competition heading into their winter break: this will be their last competitive match until February and thus they have not the squad concerns that Getafe currently suffer. As such expect boss Vladimir Petkovic to select a strong line-up and seek to end 2010 on a high note.

Probable line-ups:

Getafe: Ustari; Pintos, Kas, Victor Sánchez, Miguel Torres; Pedro Ríos, Pedro Mosquera, Casquero, Gavilán; Albín, Sardinero.
Young Boys: Bürki; Sutter, Nef, Affolter, Spycher; T. Doubai, Hochstrasser; Degen, Costanzo, Lulic; Mayuka.

Jornada 15: Getafe 1-0 Villarreal

2010-12-11T18:47:00.007Z

1-0 Albín 89'

Nine-man Geta leave Yellow Submarine stranded
Cata Díaz and goal hero Juan Ángel Albín to serve suspensions

Getafe made it three Liga wins in a row with a heroic victory over Villarreal in a match that saw the hosts end the game with just nine men.

Although both sides were wasteful, Geta deserved the victory in the end, adjusting well to their losing stalwart centre-back Cata Díaz just before the break, while Vilarreal's profligacy - especially at set-pieces - meant that they got from the fixture their just deserts.

Villarreal had the best of the early stages but failed to make too many clear cut opportunities in an opening period that seemed set to lead to a dull 0-0. But just before half-time Getafe were reduced to ten men as Cata Díaz slid in on Nilmar on the edge of the area.

The Brazilian was in full flight and the chasing Argentine was a split-second too late to make contact with the ball: it was a clear foul, but it was open to interpretation as to whether or not it was a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Paradas Romero decided that it was and gave Díaz his marching orders, Miku also entering the book for dissent.

The second half was arguably scrappier than the first, but Getafe, playing on the counter, looked active and energetic in the closing stages, and perhaps deserved to take the lead just two minutes from time when Juan Ángel Albín swept home a late winner after Javier Casquero knocked Pedro Ríos' cross down to the Uruguayan's left foot.

Albín then picked up a second booking for removing his shirt, but backs-to-the-wall Geta preserved their lead throughout stoppage time.

This result sees the Azulones move up to sixth place, pending results of matches involving Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and Atletico Madrid.

Jornada 14: Getafe 3-0 Mallorca

2010-12-05T17:38:00.004Z

1-0 Pedro Ríos 20'
2-0 Pedro Ríos 27'
3-0 Dani Parejo 78'

Masterclass In Efficiency Sees Getafe Crush Weak Mallorca
Pedro Ríos, now top scorer, puts in magnificent performance

Getafe picked up their second consecutive Liga victory in resounding fashion, thumping a poor Mallorca side 3-0 at the Coliseum, thus pulling 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Getafe dominated from the beginning and in the 20th minute took a deserved lead when after a fine solo run, the on-form Pedro Ríos netted an absolute golazo, the ball whistling into the top corner from the corner of the area.

Eight minutes later the Jerez-born winger doubled his tally as he seized on a cut-back from Miku to net confidently from twelve yards.

In the second period Mallorca came out swinging but created few clear-cut chances: those that they did, Jordi Codina dealt with well enough.

The Balearic side thus began to lose their patience, resulting in substitute Rubén being sent to the stands by referee Muñíz Fernández for dissent.

Pedro Ríos was one of many Geta players to miss a chance to add to his tally on the 73rd minute as Mallorca somehow kept the ball out during a 20-second goalmouth scramble.

But it was still to be the Azulones' day: with twelve minutes remaining Getafe sprung the offside trap in beautiful fashion, Miku clipping a beautiful ball over the top of the defence for Víctor Sánchez, who in turn served up a golden chance for Dani Parejo to shoot into an empty net.

Getafe will thus finish the weekend in a mid-table position with 20 points, 10 clear of Sporting and Almería at the top of the dropzone and just four behind fifth-placed Valencia.

As such at this early stage in the season Geta are again closer to Europe than relegation. Yet much still needs to be done and coach Míchel - knowing how quickly good form can beget bad - will discourage complacency with all seriousness.

About Getafe Escocia

2010-12-02T02:52:00.012Z

It just struck me that I'm in breach of blog etiquette by failing to provide a self-indulgent me-fest masquering as an informative page about the blog.

Why Getafe?

Have you ever worked for a large multinational? Have you ever worked for a large multinational whose business model revolves around providing hotel rooms for tourists with more money than sense, or men in suits named Chuck and Brandon on expense accounts? Have you ever worked for a large multinational whose business model revolves around providing hotel rooms for tourists with more money than sense, or men in suits named Chuck and Brandon on expense accounts, while you are housed in a small office below a block of council flats in an ill-ventilated building with temporary builders' walls around the window for low pay while being charged with an antiquated computer and told to rewrite over four hundred hotels' websites in adherence to a style guide of stunning abstruseness, your completion of this task being met with a sad smile and a request to do it all again because standard rooms are now called guest rooms? If you have then you might understand why after six months I decided to see about an escape plan. This, perhaps unrealistically, was to combine my main hobby of football with my sole useful ability of writing. Understanding that prospective employers weren't likely to be beating down my door I started small: by day I continued my mole-like existence as hotel copywriter; in the evening I, at the invitation of an online friend of mine, wrote betting guides about Spanish football and tried not to think about going back to the office the next morning.

Like most other UK football fans with Sky TV and a pitiful social life I was no stranger to live Spanish football on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and had long since marveled at the country's great clubs, flirting briefly - at my younger brother's insistence (complete with scarf) - with following Barcelona. But by the winter of 2006 I had instead found myself captivated by a team named Getafe from the suburbs of Madrid. There was more to it than the simple small-town-underdog-made-good tale that attracted all manner of idiots to (say) Gretna in Scotland: here was a team that, a brief Wikipedia examination revealed, almost played in the literal shadow of Atlético Madrid, and definitely played in the figurative shadow of both Atleti and Real Madrid. Yet they had weathered bankruptcy and low support to find themselves not just in Spain's top flight but actively taking the piss out of it: winning at the Bernabéu and finishing in the top half just to show that they could. Getafe, indeed, didn't seem particularly bothered about making friends in high places: their website was (and remains) charmingly amateurish, and with the local players not endorsing Adidas or Nike but instead the local pizza restaurant, they were - at least for a time - mercifully free of the more prosaic trappings of modern football. The whole organisation gave the impression of being a local club for local people, a club screamed onwards on its path to the Primera by nobody but Getafe residents too stubborn to be lured to the city or too old to go so far in winter, preferring the crumbling Margaritas in the town centre or, in later days, the guffaw-inducing soullessness of the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez - named for a man that never played for Getafe and, to anyone's knowledge, never gave it a second thought. It was, in short, the perfect football club.

Getafe were at the tail end of another pleasant mid-table campaign - Bernd Schuster in the dugout, Pato Abbondanzieri in goal, 32 in the goals against column and a Zamora trophy in Pato's considerable hands - when I penned my betting preview ahead of the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Having lost 5-2 to Barcelona at Camp Nou the match seemed a formality; we were, as providers of team news and tactical updates, discouraged from writing actual result predictions, but it was all I could do not to write "BARCELONA ARE THROUGH, DO YOU REALLY NEED 200 WORDS AND A FORMATION?" and send it out to our faithful readers in Hong Kong and the like. Good thing I didn't, because, in front of a Sopcast feed of remarkable reliability I watched agog as Geta put four goals past the Blaugrana to reach their first ever Spanish Cup final. Javier Casquero, Dani Güiza, Vivar Dorado, Dani Güiza again. The most important goals in Geta's history since - long before I cared about the club - Sergio Pachón put five past Tenerife to secure promotion to the Primera. I might have missed that occasion: bollocks to missing the cup final as well.

Thus it was that in late May I found myself in Madrid, equipped with a rucksack, no Spanish, and a considerable reluctance to test my linguistic abilities on actual people, thus rendering my diet one largely based around vending machines. Fuelled by Aquarius and peanuts, and the fetid remains of a hostel breakfast buffet, I went out in search of a cup final ticket. I'd long since given up on the official avenues: I wasn't a Sevilla socio, and Getafe's allocation was going only to those who signed up for a season ticket for the following year. There were, however, no touts to be found the day before the game, or even the afternoon of, no matter how convincing my "yes, I'm buying" face.

The night before the final I'd done a recce in Getafe itself, and the city rewarded me by living up almost exactly to my expectations. A baking piece of light-industrial suburbia, Getafe segued beautifully from its gritty, narrow-street centre to its post-Franco northern suburbs of five-story apartment buildings, corner supermarkets, metro stations and, of course, the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. But of particular note were the posters dotted around the main drag, the Calle Madrid, advertising the Copa del Rey final on a big screen in the city centre for those not attending the match. The Bernabéu was off-limits, but this would be the next best thing.

Spain is, of course, a country where the streets don't empty out in the evening. This is the land of the paseo, and on my initial trip to Getafe I was oddly touched by the throngs of people looking in the windows of gift stores selling random Taiwanese crap at 8 o'clock at night, dressed in their best casual wear. That all changed on the night of the cup final, though: it was shorts and t-shirts, boxes of wine and, in my case, four large cans of Mahou and my red Getafe away top.

I arrived in the town square early to stake out a decent spot, and though I couldn't grab a seat along the wall I at least had, for a time, an uninterrupted view of the screen. Youths in various states of drunkenness barged around, asserting their own personal space; eventually, one yelled something in my ear, obviously expecting a response. I put my finest Spanish to the test and told him, enunciating the H, that I didn't hablo Español. Cue uproarious laughter, and the appearance of a supporting cast behind the man whom I'd know only as Rico.

Rico, it labouriously transpired, was a janitor in a cemetery, and these were his friends. One of them had a few words of English: we established that, yes, I was Scottish, that, yes, I was here by myself, that, no, I was not a student in Madrid, that, yes, I had come over from Scotland for this, that, yes, I knew this was Getafe, and that, yes, I was here by myself. "Ahora, tu no estás solo," said Rico, and I knew what he meant.

I was asked - instructed - to try their drink of choice (beer apparently being the stuff of old men), namely a Rioja mixed with Coke, which was as good as it sounds; was repeatedly offered cigarettes; and even, charmingly, given the gift of gossip as one of the female circle of friends accused the others of being "small" and "silly", in halting English. All this while I was trying to watch the game. In the event a Fredi Kanouté goal in the first half was the only notable action after Getafe's early miss, and with Rico and the gang fast losing interest in the second period I stood, surrounded by smoke, spilled Rioja and gabbling voices, hungry for more vending machine sustenance, feet aching, back creaking, craning my neck to see a game that I knew we had already lost. It was, in short, the perfect evening.

As I lay wide awake in my hostel bunk that night, silently wondering how many decibels a Scandinavian snorer could manage without setting off a car alarm three stories below, I decided that this trip could well have been the best investment of my life. I'd fallen in love with a football team, and it felt like more than just a holiday romance. It was a love as strong as the one I felt for my hometown club. And it was to cost me sleepless nights - and plenty more in plane and train tickets and internet bills - in years to come.

This blog is my way of staying in touch with Getafe, first from Scotland and now from the United States. (There are no plans to change the blog's name to Peña Getafense Tio Sam Imperialista.) The coverage mainly focuses on match reports and the occasional previews but I'll add other items of interest if and when the mood takes me. On average I return to Getafe once a season or so: next time I'll be sure to add some photos and a travelog.

Oh: and despite the title this site doesn't represent a real peña. Twice I emailed the head of the supporters' federation and twice he didn't get back to me. In any case, it's just me. Just like this post. That's what this blog's about.

Contact: Please use this article's comments feature to contact the blog. Comments are moderated before they appear, so if you wish to communicate privately please mark your comment accordingly.

Europa League: OB Odense 1-1 Getafe

2010-12-01T20:21:00.011Z

0-1 Pedro Ríos 17'
1-1 Andreasen 90'

Getafe Out Of Europe After Late Surrender
... Young Boys' heroics against Stuttgart eliminate Spaniards

A late, late equaliser from Henrik Andreasen rescued a point for OB Odense at home to a Getafe side whose failure to build on their early lead cost them their Europa League qualification hopes.

A Pedro Ríos opener early in the first half went unreplied until the depths of stoppage time, at which point the Danes scored an equaliser that - at the moment - seemed set to keep both sides in Europe.

But in the group's other match, Young Boys of Bern managed a sensational three-goal haul in the final minutes of their match with Stuttgart to win 4-2 and thus join the Germans in the next stage.

On a frigid evening on the island of Funen Getafe started strongly and took a deserved lead when on-form Pedro Ríos' excellent header from a deep cross left Roy Carroll stranded in the OB goal.

Europa League
Group H @ 5 Games
1. Stuttgart (12pts)
2. Young Boys (9pts)
3. Getafe (4pts)
4. OB (4pts)

The Danes enjoyed a brief period of resurgency, but Getafe should have put the tie beyond doubt on the half-hour mark when Miku, provided for by the excellent Juan Angel Albín spurned two fine chances in the space of two minutes.

OB's Kalilou Traoré showed Geta that there were still two sides in it as he hit the post just before half time, but after the interval the Danes seemed to be out of contention.

Indeed, despite the snowy surface it was the Madrid side who looked to be at home, but Miku's recent lean spell continued as he twice missed the target heading towards the hour.

OB rallied as full-time approached, though, and Andreasen showed profligate Getafe how it was done with a confident finish after being put through by Peter Utaka.

Getafe and OB will now reflect on chances wasted as they prepare for meaningless fixtures against Young Boys and Stuttgart respectively, these two sides themselves playing for first place.

Video to follow.

Europa League Preview: OB Odense - Getafe

2010-11-30T02:33:00.005Z

With Getafe having put in a suberb performance against Sevilla on Saturday evening, confidence is high among the Azulones. Yet the Madrid side's current European form leaves much to be desired, and as such nothing can be taken for granted ahead of Wednesday's visit to Odense to face OB.

With four games played in the Europa League group stage Getafe are on the verge of European elimination, having taken just three points so far. Those came against OB themselves at the Coliseum back on Matchday 1, Javier Arizmendi and Pedro Ríos bringing Geta back from a goal down.

Since then two losses to Young Boys of Bern and Stuttgart render Getafe decided outsiders to progress: defeat, in fact, will almost certainly result in elimination, while even a draw will not be good enough if already-qualified Stuttgart lose to the Swiss.

Geta coach Míchel, still beaming from Saturday's result, has put aside all talk of his managerial future to focus on Wednesday's game, calling up a strong squad replete with regular first teamers. Rafa returns to the squad after recent injury, but Javier Casquero and Javier Arizmendi are unable to recover in time to travel to Denmark.

OB are yet to announce their squad but in the aftermath of their 2-0 defeat to Brondby in a match vital for both sides' Champions league aspirations, coach Henrik Clausen may ring the changes, particularly as influential midfielder Hans Henrik Andreasen limped off injured midway through the first half. The veteran, who scored twice against Young Boys in OB's last Europa League outing, is now doubtful for the Geta clash.

The Odense club have realistically given up their title ambitions already, with FC Copenhagen leading by 19 points after just 18 games, but need to remain in the top four to secure a European spot for next season; and with Getafe not safe from being sucked into the relegation mire, this tie may take a back seat for both sides.

Nonetheless OB will feel that there is a score to settle and their small but loud set of fans are likely to produce an atmosphere that was sadly lacking at the Coliseum last time these sides met.

Probable line ups:

Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Ibrahim Kas, Mané; Boateng, Borja; Pedro Ríos, Albín, Manu; Miku.

OB: Carroll; Ruud, Moller Christensen, Haland, Sorensen; Traoré, Djemba-Djemba, Feldballe/Andreasen, Kadrii; Johansson; Utaka.

----

In other news, Eugen Polanski has made permanent his loan move from Getafe to high-flying Bundesliga outfit Mainz, siging a deal with the Pfalz side until 2014.

Jornada 13: Sevilla 1-3 Getafe

2010-11-27T22:57:00.005Z

1-0 Kanouté 29'
1-1 Manu del Moral (pen.) 57'
1-2 Miku 59'
1-3 Pedro Ríos 74'

Getafe stunned Sevilla to pull off a vital 3-1 win at the Sánchez Pizjuán in a match crucial for both the Azulones' aspirations of league survival and coach Míchel's hopes of retaining his job.

Despite Geta chairman Angel Torres' recent statement of support for the tactician, it had been rumoured that a poor performance and defeat in Andalucia would spell the end for Míchel.

But such talk was rendered moot as Geta mounted a superb second-half fightback against a Sevilla side capable of far better.

In an uneventful first half the hosts took the lead after 29 minutes. Neither Cata Díaz nor Iván Marcano was on form, and this showed when the latter gifted Fredi Kanouté a tap-in chance by failing to clear a routine cross from Diego Capel.

Despite Geta's recent poor form, though, there seemed to be hope of a revival as the visitors began the second period strongly. Their pressure told as Getafe were awarded their second penalty in two games, Abdoulay Konko handling Marcano's cross in the box. Manu del Moral, having previously missed a sitter, stepped up for the spot-kick: home 'keeper Andres Palop got a touch to it, but the ball rolled in off the post.

Two minutes later Getafe were ahead. Under-fire Venezuelan forward Miku was left unmarked at the far post to meet Jaime Gavilán's cross for a confident finish on the half-volley.

Geta's victory was complete when in the 74th minute Pedro Ríos took advantage of Sevilla's failure to clear their lines from a corner, rifling the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards out.

Thus Getafe picked up their first victory in all competitions in over a month, and rise to ninth in the table, pending results elsewhere this weekend.

Next: Away to OB Odense in the Europa League on Wednesday. Getafe must win this game to be in with a chance of progression to the knockout rounds.

Míchel's Job Not In Danger - Angel Torres

2010-11-22T22:02:00.002Z

Spanish sports daily Marca reported on Saturday that anything other than a win for Getafe against Zaragoza could spell the end for coach Míchel, but prior to tonight's fixture club president Angel Torres dismissed these rumours.

"We are pleased with Míchel," he said. "Last season he did well and we finished sixth. This year we can't expect to enter the Champions League and win the Copa del Rey.

"Míchel is under contract and will remain with us."

Jornada 12: Getafe 1-1 Zaragoza

2010-11-22T21:45:00.005Z

0-1 Bertolo 33'
1-1 Colunga (pen.) 49'

Getafe could not make pressure count against a ten-man Zaragoza side who also had chances to kill off what was an entertaining but low-quality match at the Coliseum.

The hosts' failure to find the net increased their winless run in La Liga to four games, although the previous three were defeats.

It's a particularly disappointing result given that Zaragoza played most of the second half a man down, and the Aragón side both began and ended the night in last place.

Zaragoza took the lead just after the half hour mark in bizarre circumstances. Jordi Codina came 40 yards off his line to the touchline to meet a speculative ball forward but made a hash of his clearance; Argentine midfielder Nicolás Bertolo - who had a superb game - duly dispossesed the 'keeper and chipped the ball into the net from a distance.

Adrián Colunga levelled the score five minutes after the break, slotting home a penalty after Dani Parejo was unfairly challenged in the box by Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who received a yellow card.

Also booked on that occasion was Leonardo Ponzio, who saw yellow for dissent, and that was to cost him dearly as in the 63rd minute he was sent off for a second cautionable offence after handling Manu del Moral's cross just outside the area.

Getafe poured forward in the closing stages but could not find either the finish or, in truth, much by way of a meaningful final ball; Zaragoza looked dangerous on the counter once or twice but themselves lacked definition.

Next: a trip to Andalucia on Saturday evening to face Sevilla.

Jornada 11: Valencia 2-0 Getafe

2010-11-14T23:50:00.000Z

1-0 Tino Costa 8'
2-0 David Navarro 63'

A poor performance at the Mestalla consigned Getafe to their third consecutive league defeat.

Tino Costa opened the scoring early on for the hosts with an excellent volley from inside the area, and David Navarro doubled Valencia's tally on the hour mark with a via a tap-in after Jordi Codina parried away the defender's initial effort.

Geta's midfield didn't show up on the day and a typical display of poor deep defending did little to settle the nerves either.

Next: relegation candidates Zaragoza at home in what is surely a must-win tie.

Copa del Rey: Getafe 0-0 Portugalete (1-1 agg.)

2010-11-11T23:12:00.000Z

A dull as dishwater encounter at the Coliseum sees Getafe through to the next stage of the Copa del Rey, thanks to their 1-1 draw in the Basque Country in the first leg.

The draw for the 1/8 finals - or Round of 16 if you prefer UEFA-speak - takes place on Thursday November 18 at 13:00 CET. All teams remaining in the competition play in the Primera, with the exception of Segunda pairing Córdoba and Betis.

Jornada 10: Getafe 1-3 Barcelona

2010-11-07T20:04:00.003Z

0-1 Messi 22'
0-2 Villa 33'
0-3 Pedro 64'
1-3 Manu del Moral (pen.) 70'

Barcelona ran out easy winners against Getafe in a match that went largely as expected, although both sides ended the evening with ten men.

Getafe's shell-shocked defence could not deal with Barcelona's excellent passing and movement, resulting in Messi tapping home the opener on 20 minutes after a superb team move.

David Villa was next to net towards the end of the first half, and when Pedro added a third just after the hour mark it seemed to be game over.

However, Gerard Piqué conceded a penalty - and a second booking - for handball on 70 minutes, allowing Getafe skipper Manu to convert the spot-kick and give his side a lifeline.

But another red card, this time for Geta's Derek Boateng, removed most hopes of a comeback. When Javier Arizmendi spurned a simple one-on-one ten minutes later, it was clear that Barcelona were bound to win.

Europa League: Getafe 0-3 Stuttgart

2010-11-04T21:55:00.002Z

0-1 Marica 25'
0-2 Gebhart 63'
0-3 Harnik 76'

Stuttgart ran riot at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Thursday night, thrashing a lacklustre Getafe 3-0 in the fourth matchday of the 2010-11 Europa League group stage.

The hosts could not make the most of the few chances that they created, with their moves often breaking down on the edge of the area; Stuttgart, meanwhile, were confident in front of goal and were well worth the margin of victory.

The result sees Stuttgart advance to the next stage with a 100% record, but Getafe's Europa League dreams remain hanging by a thread as they languish on just three points from a possible twelve.

With the home support depleted to around 2,000 - due in part to high ticket prices - the visiting Stuttgart contingent had the most occasion to make noise on what was yet another disappointing evening for the hosts.

Getafe started in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation and with a recognisable first eleven, although the inclusion of forgotten man Ibrahim Kas at centre-back was a surprise. Also unusual was the inclusion of Adrian Sardinero, a reserve player making a rare first team appearance.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, went 4-4-2, and although they had to do without Khalid Boulahrouz and Pavel Pogrebnyak, their line-up was generally un-rotated from regular league play, with Mathieu Delpierre overcoming injury in time to start.

Geta had the best of the early stages, Colunga hitting the side netting with a solo effort and Sardinero having a penalty claim turned down when his strike from the edge of the area appeared to hit Tasci's elbow.

Stuttgart should have gone ahead on the quarter-hour mark, though, with Ciprian Marica's superb solo run bringing out a low save from Oscar Ustari: as the ball trickled across an open goalmouth, Mauro Camoranesi somehow contrived to send it wide of the target.

Indeed, Marica was fast becoming the star of the show in the early stages, with rotated right-back Victor Sánchez struggling to deal with his wide play.

It was not a great surprise when the Romanian star gave Stuttgart the lead. Derek Boateng committed an uncharacteristic howler by giving the ball away to the forward twenty-five yards from goal, and with no blue shirts nearby the Romanian was able to take his time and place his shot low past Ustari for the opener on 25 minutes.

Six minutes later, following a series of Stuttgart corners, Javier Arizmendi was afforded a chance on the counter but skimmed the top of the bar from the edge of the area.

For the most part, though, the remainder of the first half was all Stuttgart: die Roten should in fact have gone two up when Delpierre's deep cross left Kas standing and allowed Martin Harnik a free header. His attempt, though, hit the post and bounced wide.

The barrage continued as three minutes later Boka teed up Kuzmanovic to play a fine ball across goal, only for Harnik to shoot straight at Ustari from an unmarked position.

Harnik again found himself denied by Ustari, and then on the whistle Juan Angel Albín summed up Getafe's opening 45 with a poorly-taken free-kick that slammed straight off the German wall before a rebounding shot flew wide of the target.

After the break Getafe's night was further exemplified as Croatian referee Marijo Strahonja booked Cata Díaz and substitute Javier Casquero for protesting after the whistler pulled back play following a quickly-taken Getafe free-kick.

Seconds later, though, Javier Arizmendi's header from an Adrian Colunga cross had Sven Ulreich beaten, but narrowly missed the target.

Although Getafe enjoyed the best of the possession after the restart, they were struggling to convert possession into chances. Thus on came skipper Manu del Moral for Sardinero, while Stuttgart brought on Timo Gebhart for Serdar Tasci.

The change seemed to pay off as Geta enjoyed a series of chances in quick succession. The best of all fell to Adrian Colunga, who beat the offside trap to meet Javier Arizmendi's cross but shot straight at Ulreich when one-on-one.

All hope of a result disappeared three minutes later as Stuttgart managed their second goal. Marica and Kuzmanovic combined well to keep possession on the edge of the area before slipping the ball to the unmarked Gebhart, who had plenty of time to place his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Getafe continued to press forward, though, with plenty of crosses coming in from the right courtesy of Arizmendi and Colunga, albeit to little effect.

But it was all too easy for Stuttgart who duly made it three: Marica sprayed the ball out wide for Boya, who in turn launched an incredible first-time cross to the far post, where Hernik had got in ahead of Cata Diaz to finally land his first goal of the evening with fifteen minutes to go.

It seemed as though it would be the perfect evening for Stuttgart, but in fact die Roten were hit by a hammer blow as Marica - not a first team regular, but one of their top performers on the night - was shown the red card after what seemed to be a fairly innocuous confrontation with Casquero.

Still, that was not enough to dampen the visiting fans' enthusiasm; as the home support trooped out in near silence, the German songs rang long and loud into the night.

Getafe face Barcelona at home this weekend, and their next Europa League fixture is at OB Odense on December 1st.

Jornada 9: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Getafe

2010-11-01T23:05:00.001Z

1-0 Iraola 6'
2-0 San José 12'
3-0 Gabilondo 83'

An exceedingly disappointing result and performance in the Basque country resulted in a 3-0 defeat for a Getafe side who never got going.

Two early goals from the hosts set Athletic en route for a routine win, and one that they absolutely deserved.

That said, Getafe had two first half chances that, had they taken, could have put a different spin on the game, but the result was in no way an injustice.

Copa del Rey: Portugalete 1-1 Getafe

2010-10-29T03:06:00.002+01:00

Getafe couldn't hold their early lead in their first leg 1/16 round Copa del Rey clash against Portugalete, eventually managing only a 1-1 draw away to the Basque minnows.

reserve star Adrián Sardinero tapping in Juan Angel Albín's cross after good work from Pedro Mosquera. (Fun fact: Sardinero has scored at La Florida before, netting for the reserves in June as Getafe B ousted Portugalete in the play-offs to reach the Segunda División B.)

Although Getafe enjoyed the best of the first half, Portugalete were well worth their draw, which they earned seven minutes after the break, Gaizka Bergara eventually burying Javier Iturriaga's corner.

The rematch is in two weeks' time. This weekend: another trip up to the Basque Country to face Athletic Bilbao.

Jornada 8: Getafe 3-0 Sporting Gijón

2010-10-24T19:34:00.000+01:00

1-0 Boateng 9'
2-0 Colunga (pen) 51'
3-0 Marcano 60'

A routine and well-deserved victory for Geta against a poor Sporting side unable to compete with the hosts' effectiveness in front of goal. The visitors managed to carve out just one chance worthy of the name - a near-open goal squandered by Gastón Sangoy - while Getafe could in fact have added more to their tally of three.

This result puts the Azulones seventh on 13 points, six above the relegation zone and seven short of top spot.

Europa League: Stuttgart 1-0 Getafe

2010-10-21T21:21:00.005+01:00

1-0 Marica 29'

Another away defeat in the Europa League sees Getafe slip to third in Group H.

Stuttgart maintained their 100% record thanks to an early goal from Ciprian Marica, and fully deserved their win in what was a disappointing Geta showing.

One point of interest for Getafe supporters was the configuration of the defence in the absence of Mané and Miguel Torres. Marcano started at left-back, Pablo Pintos on the right, and Rafa teamed up with Cata Díaz in the middle.

Next up: Sporting at home this weekend, then a trip to Portugalete in the Copa del Rey next midweek.

Injury News: Mané & Miguel Torres Out For Three Weeks

2010-10-18T16:46:00.002+01:00

Marca informs us that both of Getafe's first-choice full-backs will miss the next three matches. Both Mané and Miguel Torres pulled up injured during the 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid on Saturday evening.

Pablo Pintos, on loan from Lazio, is likely to step in at right-back, while while it's difficult to see who may play on the left. Reserve team star Álvaro Arroyo could make an appearance, utility man Víctor Sánchez is more than able to play left-back, and there's a slim chance of Pedro Mosquera's taking part.

Either way it's a significant blow to the team.

Jornada 7: Atlético Madrid 2-0 Getafe

2010-10-16T23:20:00.001+01:00

1-0 Codina (og) 37'
2-0 Diego Costa 72'

Not too unpredictable a result at the Calderón as Atleti easily dispatched of a poor Getafe side 2-0. Geta took nothing from the game, which is about what they deserved.

Interestingly Michel went off on one after the game, stating that the team did not appear to be of Primera standard. Far be it from me to suggest that he's working his ticket or anything, but... well, yeah, that's what I'm suggesting. Any coach would be annoyed at losing his two best players over the summer but in every interview he gives he bends over backwards to slam Getafe. Between him and president Torres one wonders if there's anyone behind the scenes at the Coliseum who actually wants to be there.

Anyway, here's the match highlights:

Dani Parejo assists for Spain U-21

2010-10-11T00:30:00.004+01:00

In a break with previous seasons there's been no Getafe players active this international weekend, at least in the senior game. On the other hand Dani Parejo played 82 minutes of Spain U-21's 2-1 victory against Croatia, and took the corner that allowed Mikel San José to score the winner. You can see that in the fan-made video below:

There's little news coming from the Geta camp, except that Manu del Moral and Miku are back in training, and that Javier Casquero, Ibrahim Kas, Jaime Gavilán, Miguel Torres, and Javier Arizmendi should all be fit to play against Atlético Madrid next weekend. Only Mario is out long-term.

Jornada 6: Getafe 3-0 Hércules

2010-10-03T19:08:00.001+01:00

1-0 Parejo 20'
2-0 Manu del Moral 42'
3-0 Miku 81'

A convincing and very much deserved win over a very poor Hércules side for Getafe, who now sit sixth in the table. International week's next, then a trip to Atlético.

Europa League: Young Boys 2-0 Getafe

2010-09-30T23:45:00.000+01:00

1-0 Degen 11'
2-0 Degen 64'

A very disappointing match and performance in Bern saw Getafe lose 2-0 to a Young Boys side who in truth could have added far more.

The only silver lining to take from this performance is that it was far from the Geta first team. The likes of Albín and Miku did not take their chance to impress and both will be rotated out of the side at the weekend, when Geta meet Hércules at home.

Group standings after two games:

Group H

Team Pld Pts
Stuttgart 2 6
Young Boys 2 3
Getafe 2 3
Odense 2 0

Jornada 5: Racing 0-1 Getafe

2010-09-26T17:54:00.002+01:00

0-1 Victor Sánchez 16'

A deflected effort from loan midfielder Victor Sánchez was enough to give Getafe yet another victory at the Sardinero against a Racing side who will feel they should have at least managed a draw.

Although the visitors drew first blood, Racing were the better side for the vast majority of this game, and only poor finishing and some great saves from Jordi Codina kept Getafe en route for all three points.

In what was a dispiriting day for the Cantabrians, Markus Rosenberg was sent off minutes before full-time for a second bookable offence.

Jornada 4: Getafe 0-2 Malaga

2010-09-23T23:16:00.003+01:00

0-1 Rondón 54'
0-2 Apoño (pen) 62'

A dreadful match with very, very little to recommend it for the Getafe supporter. Although we had most of the possession and most of the chances in a numerical sense, it was the visiting side that always lookedl ike winning: they had more pace, more confidence, more definition in front of goal, and more of a winning strategy. Full credit to Malaga: I tipped them, along with Racing, to struggle badly this season, but they show every sign of having what it takes to stay up.

Next up: a trip to Cantabria to face our pseudo-rivals, Racing Santander. Last time we played at the Sardinero was on the opening day of the 2009-10 campaign, where we won 4-1. Overall our record there is good, and I expect an away win.

Video of the Malaga shocker:

Getafe 'B' 1-1 Leganés

2010-09-22T19:25:00.002+01:00

0-1 Tonino 36'
1-1 Adrián Sardinero 55'

Geta's greatest rivals have been reduced to playing our reserves in the Segunda B. While both first teams used to attract bumper crowds against each other in the Segunda, these days 2,500 showed up to watch the second string of Geta come from a goal down to secure a draw. Fan-made videos of the goals below:

This result sees Lega stay top of Segunda B with 13 points - this being their first draw after four wins - while Geta B are second with eleven, pending today's matches, of course, which could see Celta Vigo B and Babajoz overtake them.

Jornada 3: Deportivo La Coruña 2-2 Getafe

2010-09-20T23:38:00.004+01:00

0-1 Colotto (og) 33'
1-1 Guardado (pen) 49'
2-1 Guardado (pen) 56'
2-2 Arizmendi 69'

A massively entertaining second half saw three goals - two from the spot - as Getafe managed a draw at Riazor against Deportivo. This was without question the most entertaining game of the season so far and one that, had we eleven men and a charmed Jordi Codina, beatable only from the spot, for the entire second half, we might have won. As it stands a point in Galicia is nothing to be sniffed at. Nonetheless a lack of composure in front of goal remains a small source of concern: Arizmendi's wonder-strike, and Manu's hitting the bar from 30 yards notwithstanding, we passed up several opportunities (as did Depor.)

Video:

Europa League: Getafe 2-1 OB

2010-09-16T23:13:00.005+01:00

0-1 Arizmendi (og) 43'
1-1 Arizmendi 50'
2-1 Pedro Ríos 80'

This was the right result: 2-1 to the hosts. Jaime Gavilán went off with what looked to be a pulled muscle after just five minutes in what was a bad omen. The Danes were infinitely better in the first half but were still somewhat fortunate to take the lead after Javier Arizmendi scored an OG while defending a drilled free-kick.

Getafe came out looking completely different for the second period: there was just one substitution - Javier Casquero on for Borja - but it looked like a whole new eleven. Arizmendi equalised with a simple header before Pedro Ríos scored an absolutely beautiful free-kick to give Geta the three points.

Sadly the crowd can't have been more than 3,000 or so. Fans were boycotting the game because the price for socios was 15-30 euros and for regular fans 50-80 (!) euros. 80 euros for a Europa League group stage match against a modest Danish club! No wonder presi Torres was getting booed before kick-off.

An encouraging result for Geta considering that it wasn't a full-strength line-up and this is very much a competition that's secondary to surviving in La Liga. I wouldn't say the knock-out stages are beyond us at all but I won't be especially bothered if we finish a close 3rd, either.

Oh - and Getafe are the only Spanish side to not only win but avoid defeat tonight. Sevilla, Atleti and Villarreal all lost. Incredibly Sevilla lost at home to PSG, Atleti lost away to an underrated Aris, and Villarreal contrived to concede at Dinamo Zagreb.

Jornada 2: Getafe 4-1 Levante

2010-09-12T18:54:00.004+01:00

1-0 Gavilán 5'
2-0 Colunga 10'
2-1 Rafa Jordá 13'
3-1 Gavilán 90'
4-3 Arizmendi 90+1'

A convincing win for el Geta in a match that saw the visitors rarely threaten.

Preview - Jornada 2: Getafe-Levante

2010-09-11T18:10:00.004+01:00

After last week's disappointing season opener, El Geta have a great chance to get back on track as they meet newly-promoted Levante at home.

The Valencians lost 4-1 at home to Sevilla in their own Liga debut this season, with Getafe losing 3-1 against Espanyol in Barcelona.

Ibrahim Kas and Mario are out of the defence, while Juan Angel Albin and Pedro Rios will sit out in midfield. Pablo Pintos, newly-arrived from Lazio, is also absent. Of these Mario and - bizarrely - Pedro Rios have been left out by the coach despite not being injured.

Levante have never beaten Getafe at home in the Primera.

Jornada 1: Espanyol 3-1 Getafe

2010-08-29T21:46:00.004+01:00

1-0 Osvaldo 33'
2-0 Osvaldo 54'
2-1 Galán (og) 61'
3-1 Datolo 90+4'

A disappointing, but unsurprising opening to the season.

I've been away

2010-07-19T13:59:00.002+01:00

Yeah, South Africa and so forth.

Anyway:

Europa League qualifiers. Michel says we will take these games as importantly as is deserved, i.e. not very. Even the Copa del Rey is more important to him.

The Liga is by far the biggest challenge. We had a brilliant position this year; next season will be worse, and may well be a battle for survival.

That's because Soldado's away to Valencia, and Pedro Leon has signed for Real Madrid.

In have come Javier "Bloody" Arizmendi from Zaragoza, Borja of Valladolid, Ivan Marcano of Villarreal on loan, and Madrid reserve Pedro Mosquera. Ibrahim Kas and Franck Signorino are back from loan but Signorino in particular won't be here for long, I reckon.

Also heading out are David Cortes and David Belenguer on free transfers, Joffre Guerron for a nominal fee to Atletico Paranaense, and Fabio Celstini back to Lausanne.

Yeah, yeah...

2010-03-13T18:56:00.002Z

Every time I say I'm going to start updating again, I then forget.

Anyway, I just watched Getafe 3-0 Mallorca, and while the stream was of poor quality, the style of our play more than made up for it. The Barralets were left looking more like relegation candidates than Champions League contenders, and we, on the other hand, looked fully deserving of our top half place. It also brings to an end our poor run of results. Onwards and upwards from here! Next up, Athletic at San Mames next week and then a midweek game with Real Madrid right afterwards. That one's at the Coliseum...

Video to follow.

Getafe 1-0 Valladolid

2010-01-05T20:05:00.005Z

A late Casquerazo* did the trick here.

Next up: a trip to struggling Malaga in the Copa del Rey.

*admittedly it did take a slight deflection:

Gosh

2010-01-03T12:48:00.003Z

I apologise for the lack of updates of late. I have no excuse.

Either way, we're eighth in the league table, having finally won two in a row.

Next stop: home game with Valladolid this afternoon. I remember they beat us 3-0 at home quite recently. This time, though, Pedro Leon's on our side!

Getafe 2-0 Athletic Bilbao

2009-10-25T17:47:00.004Z

A routine win against a very poor, and ten man*, Athletic Bilbao side. Soldado opened the scoring with a a rather lucky goal before Dani Parejo converted a penalty after a clear Athletic handball. Gurpegi was sent off in the first half for the visitors, and it was all Geta from there.

It's hard to read too much into today's result as Athletic, even with eleven men, weren't up to much, but three points is never to be sniffed at.

Next up: Copa del Rey action at home to Espanyol on Wednesday.

*actually nine man for the last minute after Ustariz's straight red

Esteban Granero Wants €600,000 From Getafe

2009-10-22T17:44:00.000+01:00

According to As, Esteban Granero's father has emerged in the press to say that his son wishes to collect the 15% of the Getafe-Real Madrid transfer fee owed to him. Apparently Granero waived this sum when moving back to the Bernabeu as he was in line for a massive pay increase, but now wishes to collect, having never formally relinquished his right to it.

Angel Torres, naturally, implies that Granero's had his chance. This one's likely to run and run, but unless Geta managed to get it in writing that Esteban had legally surrendered his claim, it looks like they'll need to pay up...

Mallorca 3-1 Getafe Video

2009-10-18T12:04:00.001+01:00

Unlike Barcelona we can't so readily blame the 'FIFA virus'. Instead this was just a bad day at the office with no ability to carve out chances despite seeing plenty of the ball. A worrying result.

Getafe 2-1 Osasuna Video

2009-10-05T11:40:00.002+01:00

We beat Osasuna again. (Do we get to keep them?) A fine, fine late goal from Pedro Leon settled matters at the Coliseum, and we well deserved it.

Zaragoza 3- 0 Getafe Video

2009-09-27T23:30:00.000+01:00

A grim afternoon in which the Azulones offered little.

Getafe 3-1 Valencia Video - 23/09/2009

2009-09-25T17:14:00.002+01:00

Here's the goals. Valencia's strike was awesome but just wait for Pedro Leon's free-kick...