Getafe 2-1 Real Madrid: Gutsy Geta come from behind to seal famous win

0-1 Higuaín 27'
1-1 Juan Valera 53'
2-1 Abdel Barrada 75'

Hosts turn on the style in the second half to pick up first win of the season...
... Visiting champions laid low despite enjoying a fine first period...

Real Madrid were stunned by giant-killing Getafe on Sunday afternoon after surrendering a Gonzalo Higuaín lead to the home outfit, who leveled through Juan Valera before Abdel Barrada netted the winner fifteen minutes from time.

The visitors were by far the better team in the first half and should have taken the lead after nine minutes when Mesut Özil almost sprung Cristiano Ronaldo clean through in the box, only for David Abraham to sweep in and clear at the last moment.

Six minutes later the Blancos produced the most beautiful play of the afternoon, Özil and Ronaldo trading passes several times around the area before the young German was free to shoot. However, the ex-Hamburg man inexplicably hit the woodwork when faced with an open goal.

Midway through the first half Gonzalo Higuaín finally found the net for Madrid, getting on the end of Ángel di María's excellent through ball, waltzing past Abraham and Alexis, and placing the ball past Miguel Moyà.

Geta had Moyà to thank four minutes from the break after an excellent stop from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was once again fed by the tireless Özil.

For the hosts the end of the first period was a relief, and they began the second half with renewed vigour. This paid off in short order as the brilliant Abdel Barrada's free-kick found Juan Valera free in the box to score his first goal since his strike against Barcelona in the 1-0 win of November 2011.

Fifteen minutes from time Abdel Barrada himself was on the scoresheet, capitalising on good play from Adrián Colunga and some sloppy Real Madrid defending to poke home past the helpless Iker Casillas.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a clear opportunity as the match entered stoppage time, and it was all Madrid could do to wonder how they threw away their first half superiority.

Meanwhile Getafe can look back on another famous win over one of the 'Big Two', this one comprising their first three points of the season. This places them above Real Madrid in the table, a situation that, while unlikely to last, is certainly welcome.

Geta travel north next week to face Deportivo in La Coruña, while Real Madrid have until Wednesday to recover for the Super Copa second-leg clash with Barcelona, José Mourinho's side looking to overturn a 3-2 disadvantage from the first match at Camp Nou.

Getafe: Moyà; Juan Valera, Abraham (Lopo 50), Alexis, Miguel Torres; Míchel, Xabi Torres; Abdel Barrada (Mehdi Lacen 84), Lafita, Diego Castro; Miku (Adrián Colunga 69). Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo (Callejón 73); Lass Diarra (Benzema 58), Xabi Alonso; Di María (Morata 79), Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo; Higuaín.

Sevilla 2-1 Getafe: Not enough as the Nervión men do the needful

1-0 Fazio 34'
2-0 Negredo 38' (pen.)
2-1 Alexis 50'

Getafe fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on La Liga's opening day.

Hosts Sevilla dominated early proceedings and took the lead through Federico Fazio in the 34th minute, the Argentine taking advantage of a misjudged clearance job from Miguel Ángel Moyà and heading into an unguarded net.

Four minutes later Juan Valera conceded a controversial penalty, José Antonio Reyes making the most of an innocuous challenge to earn the spot-kick. Álvaro Negredo converted easily to double Sevilla's advantage.

Just after the restart, former Sevilla defender Alexis Ruano pilled one back for the visitors with a close-range finish from a Pedro León corner.

Getafe coach Luís García threw on Abdel Barrada and Adrián Colunga in an attempt to chase the game, but ultimately Sevilla saw out the game in relative comfort.

Geta welcome champions Real Madrid next weekend in their home opener.

Sevilla: Diego López; Cicinho, Fazio, Spahic, Fernando Navarro; Trochowski (Javi Hervás 83), Gary Medel, Rakitic; Jesús Navas, Negredo (Babá 67), Reyes (Manu del Moral 75). Getafe: Moyà; Juan Valera, Abraham, Alexis, Miguel Torres; Míchel (Xavi Torres 46), Mehdi Lacen (Adrián Colunga 74); Pedro León, Lafita, Diego Castro (Abdel Barrada 52); Miku.

Sheikh your booty

Per Marca, Getafe's foreign entanglements in the Middle East are left looking weirder and weirder by the day.

Let's rewind a bit: two seasons ago club president Ángel Torres cemented a deal with the Royal Emirates Group to launch 'Getafe Team Dubai', a finance bid that was due to take effect this summer, clear the club's debt, and presumably turn the Azulones into the next Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain.

Jump back to the present day and we find that Sr. Torres has fallen for a scheme only very slightly more elaborate than a 419 scam. To gain €10m of investment from a wholly fictional Arab oligarch, all he had to do was send roof of solvency to a gang seemingly fronted by, of all people, a Brazilian waiter in Catalonia. Proof of solvency, needless to say, took the form not of a bank statement or affadavit, but a wad of cash - a wad which the notoriously frugal Torres will be mourning as we speak.

Does this mean the entire REG deal is fishy? Some sources have quickly leapt to that conclusion* but it doesn't seem clear-cut at all. Today REG responded with a public statement, indicating that their 'commercial agreement' has nothing to do with the sheikhdown, and that if the waiter and his pals invoked their boss' name, they'll see them in court.

So, 'Getafe Team Dubai' still seems to be something of a reality - after all, what would the 'commercial agreement' mean otherwise? but presumably Torres will be a little more careful about whom he trusts in future.

*UPDATE: As imply that the photo in their article is one of Torres with the fake Sheikh. In fact, so far as we can tell, that is the genuine sheikh, Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al Maktoum, and his agreement with Getafe is quite real - at least according to Arabian Business.

Getafe 5-1 Sevilla: Blues come back to stroll to victory

0-1 Negredo 19'
1-1 Miguel Torres 35'
2-1 Mehdi Lacen 49'
3-1 Miku 63'
4-1 Pedro Ríos 69'
5-1 Miku 71'

The best second half showing in years sees the home crowd delighted...
... Stunning performance from Pedro Ríos sees Getafe remain in the Primera in style...

Getafe's Liga survival is now mathematically secure after a Pedro Ríos masterclass helped the Madrid side to their 43rd, 44th, and 45th points of the season at home to hapless Sevilla.

The hosts went behind early on but quickly equalised and from there it was a clear path to a victory that sees the Azulones, far from worrying about relegation, in fact dreaming about European football with four league games left to go.

Both sides opted for their usual 4-2-3-1, with Getafe giving reserve stopper Álvaro Arroyo his first Liga start at right-back, Miguel Torres moving to the centre in the absence of ineligible loanee Alexis. Meanwhile the midfield was identical to that which overran Sporting 2-0 at home a fortnight prior.

The Andalusian outfit were virtually unchanged from their 3-0 win over Zaragoza at the weekend, meaning that ex-Coliseum captain Manu del Moral lined up behind lone forward Álvaro Negredo. The only alteration was the rotation of goalkeeper Andrés Palop, who was replaced by Javi Varas.

Getafe should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when lone forward Miku got on the end of Pedro Ríos' low cross from the right, but from three yards out the Venezuelan put the ball over when it was easier to hit the target.

The hosts were made to pay ten minutes later as Álvaro Negredo sprung the offside trap to score a beautiful overhead kick from an unmarked position, Piotr Trochowski providing that killer cross from the inside-right channel.

Miguel Torres of all people was able to level the scores 10 minutes from the interval: both Julien Escudé and Coke made a hash of dealing with Pedro Ríos' corner and it was all the ex-Real Madrid man could do to bundle home from close range.

Sevilla's defence was again left wanting as that man Pedro Ríos played another killer cross, this time from the left flank, only for the unmarked Gavilán to head straight into Varas' arms just before the break.



Just after the break, Manu del Moral - although offside - was able to get on the end of a deep cross and chest the ball down for Antonio Luna, but the winger inexplicably fire wide.

He was punished mere seconds later when Mehdi Lacen drove home a twenty-yarder - his first Liga goal for the club - into the bottom right corner to give Getafe the lead. Instrumental in the buildup once more was the indomitable Pedro Ríos, who had one of his best games in the blue shirt.

The best was yet to come. Just past the hour mark, Ríos capped an incredible performance with a mazy run into the right-hand side of the box, where he pulled the ball back for the unmarked Miku to fire home first time.

Indeed, Pedro Ríos had the sort of showing that called on a goal to cap it off, and the 31-year-old didn't disappoint when he headed in at the far post from a Mané cross in the 69th minute.

He wasn't finished yet: just two minutes later, the Jérez-born winger went on a mazy run from the right wing to the middle, where he slotted a through ball to Miku to score Geta's fifth of the evening.

That was the end of his contribution as he was subbed off - to predictably and justifiably wild acclaim - for Abdel Barrada in the 76th minute.

With four games left survival is now guaranteed, meaning that the dream of European football is on. Incredibly Geta are one of five sides sitting just one point off the second Europa League slot. Getafe have the chance to stay with that pack as they travel to Granada next weekend.

Getafe: Moyà; Arroyo, Cata Díaz, Miguel Torres, Mané; Míchel, Mehdi Lacen; Pedro Ríos (Abdel Barrada 76), Diego Castro, Gavilán (Casquero 82); Miku (Güiza 78). Sevilla: Javi Varas; Coke, Fazio, Escudé, Fernando Navarro (Babá 56); Medel (Campaña 79), Trochowski; Jesus Navas, Manu del Moral (Rakitic 72), Luna; Negredo.

Villarreal 1-2 Getafe: Overdue win comes with a hint of luck

0-1 Diego Castro 5'
1-1 Nilmar 45' (pen.)
1-2 Abdel Barrada 72'

Getafe take their chances and Villarreal don't, making for an away win...
... Borja Valero's first ever VCF penalty miss helps Geta to first win since January...

Getafe finally got back to winning ways after edging a fraught thriller at the Madrigal on Monday night. Had the hosts taken their chances the outcome could have been quite different, but coach Luis García will be delighted to see his side show both guts and luck to take all three points back to the capital from the Valencian Community.

With both Pedro León and Diego Castro starting it didn't take long for Getafe to show attacking intent, and they duly went ahead after just five minutes. It was Diego Castro who netted after poor defending from Villarreal and good work from Abdel Barrada and Miku in the buildup.

Defensive midfielder Míchel nearly gave away the lead twelve minutes later after conceding a needless penalty against Jaume Costa, but Borja Valero's poor penalty was saved by Miguel Ángel Moyà.

After more pressure something had to give, and it came on the stroke of half-time. Cata Díaz's poorly-timed challenge on Nilmar in the box saw the Yellow Submarine earn their second penalty of the game, and the Brazilian made no mistake from the spot.

Villarreal were superior for much of the second half, but their profligacy was summed up in the 68th minute when the hitherto-excellent Cani made a storming run down the right, leaving the Getafe back line in his wake, before shooting into the side netting from point-black range.

Five minutes later, and against the run of play, Abdel Barrada gave Getafe their second lead of the game. The young Parisien slid home from close range after Pedro León played the first-time pass from Diego Castro's excellent build-up.



With this result Getafe earn some much-needed respite from the relegation battle, moving into 13th place with 32 points. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain 17th on 27, just three points ahead of Racing and Sporting in the dropzone.

Villarreal: Diego López; Ángel López, Gonzalo (Marco Ruben 61), Zapata, Jaume Costa; Marcos Senna, Bruno; Cani, Borja Valero, Camuñas; Nilmar (Joselu 69). Getafe: Moyà; Valera, Cata Díaz, Alexis, Mané; Míchel, Lacen; Pedro León (Casquero 74), Abdel Barrada, Diego Castro; Miku (Dani Güiza 69).

Getafe 1-3 Málaga: Hosts can't hold their lead against big-spending boquerones

1-0 Diego Castro 42'
1-1 Eliseu 57'
1-2 Toulalan 81'
1-3 Cazorla 90+2'

Getafe flirting with the dropzone after two points dropped...
... Margin of victory flatters Málaga but their strikes were beautiful...

Quality told as Getafe failed to upset the odds against European contenders Málaga at the Coliseum on Saturday evening, the visitors taking all three points courtesy of three beautiful goals.

Overall Geta can be pleased with their performance but they must ask themselves why they failed to take their chances, especially early in the match.

Indeed, Miku spurned a host of opportunities in the first quarter hour, although Salamón Rondón had chances of his own at the other end.

After some thrilling end-to-end action it was Getafe who drew first blood. The on-form Juan Valera made the difference with a superb run down the right flank before crossing to Diego Castro, who swept home from eight yards.

Málaga brought out the heavy guns at the break, introducing Joaquín and Eliseu to energise the flanks. This took just twelve minutes to bear fruit: Eliseu equalised neatly following his fellow substitute's corner, Getafe left to rue not burying more than one of their twelve shots on goal taken already.

The visitors began to take control of the match and were duly rewarded through Jérémy Toulalan nine minutes from time. The French international struck clean and true, his shot from 25 yards grazing Miguel Ángel Moyà's post en route to the winner.

With just one minute to go Natxo Monreal appeared to handle the ball inside his own box, but referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco waved play on.

Santi Cazorla added insult to injury with the game-killing third mere seconds before full-time. The ex-Villarreal man saw Moyà off his line and from almost 45 yards lobbed the 'keeper to seal all three points.

Getafe are in deep trouble as they end the weekend just five points clear of the relegation area, and with Granada and Villarreal still to play this matchday Geta could end as low as 17th prior to round 27's vital clash at the Madrigal against Villarreal.

Getafe: Moyà, Valera, Cata Díaz, Alexis, Mané; Abdel Barrada (Sarabia 62), Juan Rodríguez, Lacen; Diego Castro (Pedro León 80); Miku (Arizmendi 68), Güiza. Málaga: Caballero; Jesus Gámez, Weligton, Mathijsen, Monreal; Toulalan, Recio (Joaquín 46); Cazorla, Fernández (Demichelis 70), Isco (Eliseu 46); Rondón.

Real Betis 1-1 Getafe: Betis the better side, but Geta good for a point

1-0 Jorge Molina 51'
1-1 Chechu Dorado (og) 53'

Getafe come from behind in somewhat fortunate circumstances...
... It wasn't a one-sided fixture but Betis didn't dominate either...

An entertaining but still somewhat even game at the Benito Villamarín saw Getafe leave with a welcome point against a Real Betis side who had the better chances on the day.

The first half saw plenty of effort from both sides but relatively few clear-cut opportunities. Rubén Castro had the best chance on the quarter hour mark after good work from Jefferson Montero, but left Miguel Ángel Moyà untested by firing over from the middle of the area.

Mere minutes after the break Jorge Molina gave the hosts the lead. The journeyman striker finished off a neat team move involving Montero and Juanma with a confident finish near the post that left Moyà stranded.

But just three minutes later Geta were level. Chechu Dorado put through his own net with a poor clearance after Dani Güiza got on the end of Juan Valera's cross from the right.

Eight minutes from time the Béticos should have taken the lead as the visiting defence stood static at a fine ball over the top. However Rubén Castro opted to shoot rather than squaring the ball to Roque Santa Cruz, who stood afront an open goal, and Moyà pulled off a fine save to deny the greedy striker.

Returning centre-back Alexis, newly signed on loan from Sevilla for his second spell at Geta, made a substitute appearance a minute from time, but no goal followed and in any case the Azulones did not merit the victory.

Getafe thus finish the week five points above the dropzone ahead of next Sunday's visit of Málaga.

Betis: Fabricio; Nelson, Paulao, Chechu Dorado, Nacho; Juanma (Jonathan Pereira 71), Beñat, Iriney (Cañas 68), Jefferson Montero; Rubén Castro, Jorge Molina (Santa Cruz 59). Getafe: Moyà; Valera, Cata Díaz, Miguel Torres, Mané; Abdel Barrada (Diego Castro 46), Casquero, Lacen, Gavilán (Sarabia 67); Miku (Alexis 89), Dani Güiza.

Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Getafe: Easy win for Vallecas men in local derby

1-0 Michu 34'
2-0 Diego Costa 63'

Getafe simply didn't show up and duly paid the price - with both eleven and ten men...
... Rayo took their chances in a game that they dominated ...

Getafe may have held the giants of Real Madrid to a single goal last week, but this time around the comparative minnows of Rayo managed double that tally in far easier circumstances as the visitors found themselves completely overwhelmed in Vallecas.

The hosts were by far the better side in the first half and perhaps should have had an advantage ten minutes in when Miguel Moyà appeared to fell Piti in the box, but referee Álvarez Izquierdo saw nothing.

Rayo deservedly took the lead ten minutes before the break when Michu was left unmarked in the box to fire a rebounded effort past Moyà after a cross from José Casado. There were suspicions of offside but nonetheless the goal had been coming.

Geta's chances of a fightback were all but extinguished on the hour mark when Míchel was issued a straight red card for what Izquierdo interpreted as a foul preventing clear goalscoring opportunity for Diego Costa - a dubious decision.

And it fell to Diego Costa himself to completely end the game just three minutes later with a neat header from a cross by José Maria Movilla.

Thus Rayo leapfrog Getafe in the standings, going a point ahead of the south side outfit who remain on 27 points.

Next week the second half of Getafe's season begins with the visit of Espanyol to the Coliseum.

Rayo: Joel; Tito, Arribas, Pulido, Casado; Javi Fuego, Movilla; Piti (Lass Bangoura 65), Michu, Armenteros (Diego Benito 86); Diego Costa (Tamudo 72). Getafe: Moyà; Valera (Rafa 69), Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Diego Castro (Lacen 67), Míchel, Casquero (Arizmendi 78), Barrada; Miku, Dani Güiza. Red card: Míchel 60' (Professional foul)

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

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)

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

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.

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

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

A fraught encounter shows that Luis García's men never want for bravery...

... Despite suffering a goal then a player deficit, the Azulones pulled off a famous win...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getafe: Moyà; Varela (Miguel Torres 87), Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Míchel, Lacen; Pedro Ríos (Rafa 33), Abdel, Diego Castro; Dani Güiza (Miku 51), Sent off: Lopo 28' (professional foul) Atlético Madrid: Courtois; Antonio López (Salvio 69), Godín (Miranda 46), Domínguez, Felipe Luis; Gabi, Tiago (Koke 57); Adrián, Diego, Arda Turan; Falcao.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valencia: Guaita; Miguel, Rami, Víctor Ruiz, Mathieu; Albelda, Banega; Pablo Hernández, Jonas (Piatti 76), Feghouli (Jordi Alba 55); Soldado (Aduriz 61). Getafe: Moyà; Miguel Torres (Miku 61), Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Rubén Pérez (Lacen 46), Míchel; Valera, Abdel, Diego Castro; Güiza.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Málaga: Caballero; Jordi Gámez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Eliseu; Toulalan, Duda (Isco 57); Joaquín (Maresca 67), Julio Baptista, Cazorla; Van Nistelrooy (Rondón 74). Getafe: Codina; Calera, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané; Rubén Pérez, Lacen; Pedro León (Pedro Ríos 83), Abdel (Juan Rodríguez 77), Diego Castro; Güiza (Miku 69). Sent Off: Lacen 76 (2nd booking; dissent)

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

1-0 Pandiani 90'

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

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

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

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

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

Espanyol: Álvarez; Galán, Jordi Amat, Héctor Moreno, Dídac; Verdú, Baena, Javi Márquez (Pandiani 76); Sergio García; Álvaro (Weiss 58), Thievy Koulossa (Rui Fonte 81). Getafe: Moyá; Valera, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Masilela (Miguel Torres 76); Rubén Perez; Pedro Ríos (Diego Castro 63), Casquero, Lacen, Abdel; Miku (Güiza 80).

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

0-1 Michu 5'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getafe: Moyá; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Masilela; Pedro León (Abdel 71), Juan Rodríguez (Rubén Pérez 37), Lacen, Sarabia (Pedro Ríos 60); Güiza, Miku. Levante: Dani Giménez; Tito, Arriba, Jordi, Casado; Movilla, Javi Fuego, Botelho (Pacheco 83); Piti (Delibašić 73), Michu; Tamudo (Lass 56).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Fabio Coentrão; Di María (Kaká 71), Özil (Higuaín 86), Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema (Granero 86). Getafe: Moyá; Valera, Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Masilela; Casquero (Güiza 70), Lacen; Pedro Ríos (Colunga 80), Juan Rodríguez, Sarabia (Abdel 70); Miku.

Pedro León returns to Getafe from Real Madrid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getafe: Moyá; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Mané (Masilela 17); Abdel (Sarabia 59), Lacen; Juan Rodríguez, Casquero (Güiza 84), Pedro Ríos; Miku. Levante: Munúa; Javi Venta, Ballesteros, Nano, Juanfran; Pedro López (El Zhar 70), Xabi Torres (Aranda 75), Rubén Suárez (Juanlu 58), Iborra; Valdo, Barkero.

Dani Güiza, Zombies & Strikes

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

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



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

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

Two in, two out - so far

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

Out

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

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

In

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

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

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

Still to come?

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

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

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

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