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.

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)

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sporting: Juan Pablo, Damián, Botía, Iván Hernández, Canella, Rivera (Sangoy 63), Nacho Cases (Eguren 84), Óscar Trejo (Nacho Novo 81), André Castro, De las Cuevas, Barral. Getafe: Moyà, Miguel Torres (Sarabia 43), Cata, Rafa, Mané, Míchel, Lacen, Valera, Diego Castro (Juan Rodríguez 71), Abdel Barrada, Miku (Güiza 86). Red card: Abdel 61' (second yellow)

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.

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

0-1 Ibra 7'

1-1 Güiza 62'

1-2 Ibra 66'

2-2 Güiza 75'

Dani Güiza off the mark, but Geta make it four without a win...

... Third consecutive draw at least sees the Azulones rack up much-needed goals...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getafe: Moyà; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Rubén Pérez (Míchel 71), Lacen (Sarabía 71); Pedro Ríos (Güiza 52), Abdel, Diego Castro; Miku. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Lolo, Sergio, Raitala; Puñal, Nekounam, Raúl García (Timor 73); Álvaro Cejudo (Damiá 71), Nino, Ibra.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Carlos Martínez, Demidov, Iñigo Martínez, De la Bella; Mariga, Zurutuza; Xabi Prieto (Cadamuro 82), Ifrán (Llorente 64), Griezmann; Agirretxe (Carlos Vela 75.) Getafe: Moyà; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Lacen, Rubén Pérez; Pedro Ríos (Abdel 64), Diego Castro, Sarabía (Pedro León 70); Miku (Güiza 86).

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Getafe: Codina; Varela, Cata Díaz, Lopo, Miguel Torres; Rubén Pérez, Casquero (Míchel 71); Pedro Ríos, Sarabia, Diego Castro (Miku 87); Güiza (Colunga 55). Villarreal: Diego López; Zapata, Gonzalo, Marchena, Catalá; Marcos Senna (Wakaso 46), Bruno; Borja Valero, De Guzmán (Joselu 81), Cani (Hernán Pérez 79); Rossi.

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

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.

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.

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

0-1 Cata Díaz 9'

1-1 Paco Sutil 65'

Getafe avoid away defeat for the first time in six attempts...

... Cata Díaz's early header the highlight of a dull match - oh, and Getafe stay up...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-----

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

Real Sociedad: Bravo; Carlos Martínez, Mikel González, Demidov, De la Bella; Diego Rivas (Elustondo 85), Aranburu; Xabi Prieto, Zurutuza (Paco Sutil 47), Griezmann (Bergara 69); Tamudo. Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Mario (Mané 46), Iván Marcano; Víctor Sánchez, Boateng; Pedro Ríos, Albín (Parejo 71), Manu del Moral (Casquero 82); Miku.

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

1-0 Miguel Flaño (o.g.) 64'

2-0 Pedro Ríos 90'

Nerviest of nervy encounters ends with a priceless victory for Getafe...

... It all comes down to the final day as Zaragoza managed a win and Deportivo drew...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State of play:

Getafe - 43 points

Deportivo - 43 points

Zaragoza - 42 points

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

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

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

Getafe: Ustari; Víctor Sánchez, Cata Díaz, Mario, Marcano; Pedro Ríos, Boateng, Casquero (Parejo 58), Manu del Moral; Miku (Albín 58), Colunga (Borja 83). Osasuna: Ricardo; Damiá (Soriano 78), Sergio, Miguel Flaño, Monreal (Lekic 88); Vadócz, Puñal, Nekounam (Pandiani 70); Álvaro Cejudo, Kike Sola, Camuñas.

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

1-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 23'

2-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 57'

3-0 Benzema 76'

4-0 Cristiano Ronaldo 90'

Heavy defeat not unexpected, but no less damaging for that for Getafe...

... The relegation pack is ever more bunched together...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Madrid: Adán (Mejías 83); Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Lass Diarra; Di María, Özil (Adebayor 75), Cristiano Ronaldo; Higuaín (Benzema 75) Getafe: Ustari; Miguel Torres, Cata Díaz, Mario, Mané; Boateng, Casquero (Mosquera 63); Arizmendi, Parejo (Borja 70), Adrián Sardinero (Miku 46); Colunga.