It could be a pub quiz question in future: what was Martin Jol's last game in charge of Spurs?
Step forward Getafe, for it was Super Geta that inflicted on him his final defeat as Tottenham boss, winning 2-1 in a close-fought and very, very nervy game at White Hart Lane.
In truth, the London outfit were on top for much of the encounter, particularly during the second half, but Getafe showed opportunism and character to pick up three vital and historic points in the UEFA Cup Group Stage.
All that said, Getafe started by far the brighter side, which made it a shock when Jermain Defoe made it 1-0 for the hosts 19 minutes in. The striker got on the end of a bobbling header from Berbatov and hit past Ustari for the lead.
But the ever-classy Ruben de la Red equalised just two minutes later, his former Real Madrid teammate Esteban Granero crossing in for the youngster.
The remainder of the first half was largely even but, as the second began, it was all Spurs.
Defoe, Malbranque, Berbatov - they all tried their luck, but against the run of play, Getafe managed an unlikely goal, and one that would end up sealing the three points.
It was former Atletico Madrid prodigy Braulio who jinked the ball home with precocious arrogance, the vastly-improved Cortes' right wing cross seeing the striker beat his marker.
Pato Abbondanzieri, on for Ustari at half time, was all at sea for the closing stages, and more than once Spurs might have equalised.
But somehow the ball stayed out, and the small band of traveling supporters were on hand to witness Getafe's second European victory in three matches and, one might say, by far their most impressive in terms of results.
GETAFE POR SIEMPRE!
Congratulations for your blog, is very special to us see this in english :D
ReplyDeleteVAMOS GETA!
Cheers, Dani!
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible, Europe already knows Getafe.
ReplyDeleteI want to get back to Hart Lane in semi-finals.