Atletico Madrid made the short trip to Getafe on Thursday holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg of their fifth-round Copa del Rey clash.
A tight opening half brought few chances, with the only notable incident seeing Rafael Lopez receive his marching orders for a late challenge on Radamel Falcao.
Atletico looked the more likely to open the scoring in the second period, but it remained 0-0 on the night with Diego Simeone's side advancing 3-0 on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We continue with our Copa del Rey coverage as Getafe attempt to turnaround a 3-0 scoreline against a resurgent Atletico Madrid outfit. There are not too many backers for the home side this evening, but a victory of any kind would nonetheless hand them confidence for the remainder of their league season.
Right, while we await the team news, which is expected in the next couple of moments, let’s take a look at how both sides have fared in the league thus far. Getafe currently occupy 10th spot in the table with 24 points from 18 matches. Despite their recent wobble, they are just four points from the top seven which is testament to their form in the early parts of the season.
Atletico, meanwhile, currently sit second in the table, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona. They are the leading club in the Spanish capital, however, with a five-point lead over Real Madrid. It would probably be fair to state that their ultimate target is to finish in the top four, but the chance to finish ahead of their great rivals is a task for the remainder of the season.
It is hard to look past Atletico in this match, but they have taken just seven points from the last 15 on offer in the league. That period did include Real Madrid and Barcelona, however, and the strong team they picked in the first leg of this tie suggests that they are taking this competition seriously.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Abraham, Torres, Rafa; Rodriguez, Castro, Torres, Lafita; Alvaro, Alcacer
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Diaz, Miranda, Cisma; Emre, Suarez, Garcia, Cristian; Arda, Falcao
So there we have it. Both teams make a host of changes from their matches at the weekend. Next up for Atletico in the league is Real Zaragoza, from which they will feel capable of picking up three points without too much trouble and therefore they should be able to field two sides capable of winning their next two matches. Star striker Radamel Falcao returns this evening, however, and he has scored 17 league goals this season.
Getafe have struggled for goals this season, scoring just 22 times in their 18 league matches thus far. There was a bonus in their last league match, however, with Paco Alcacer scoring his first league goal of the season against Rayo Vallecano. By the looks of their team this evening, they are certainly prioritising the home league match against Granada at the weekend.
Atletico's recent away form has been poor, losing three of their last four games away from the Vicente Calderon. However, based on Getafe’s performance against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, they will have to be very poor indeed to continue that record on the road. That said, all the signs point to a close game this evening with both teams resting players.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Las Palmas or Real Betis in the quarter-final stage of the competition. Five teams have already booked their spot in the last eight, with three yet to be decided. Be sure to stay with us this evening for action between Barcelona and Cordoba, which is due to get underway at 8.30pm.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I am backing a score draw this evening. I cannot see any possible way how Getafe can advance to the next round.
Just a final reminder of the main team news. Getafe name Diego Castro and Paco Alcacer in an attacking side. Meanwhile, Atletico are much changed with Saul, Suarez, Emre and Cisma also handed starts. First-team players Falcao, Garcia and Juanfran are also included in the starting side. Here we go then. Getafe get the match underway.
Decent start from the home side with Lafita and Diego Castro combining before the latter drives a low cross into the penalty area, but Alvaro cannot collect and Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Rafa fires a high ball into the box, but Courtois comes out to collect.
First involvement for Falcao as the Colombian striker collects a pass from Turan before turning and driving at the home side's defence, but he is just dispossessed at the vital moment by Miguel Torres. Falcao was suspended for Atletico's league clash at the weekend and therefore it comes as no great surprise that he starts this evening.
Neither side has really settled in the early stages with both teams exchanging spells with possession. The ball has spent more time in the air than it has on the ground thus far. If Getafe are to have any chance of making this into a proper contest then you get the feeling that they simply have to score early.
Atletico have just taken control of the possession in the last few moments as they begin to enjoy a spell of pressure in the Getafe half. Turan attempts to dance his way into the box, but Torres is across to clear the danger at the vital moment. We still await the first real chance of the match with eight minutes on the clock.
Decent football down the left for the home side as Xavi Torres combines with Alvaro before whipping a low cross into the box, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Alvaro darts past two challenges, but loses possession before fouling Juanfran. The best word to describe the match so far would be 'bitty'.
Half-chance for home side as Alvaro picks up possession outside the penalty area before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Atletico attempt to break down the other end with Turan, but the Turkish international cannot find Falcao in behind and Moya collects.
Again Falcao is involved as the Colombian comes inside before whipping a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Rafa just beats Rodriguez to the ball and it moves out for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Turan, but it is straight into the hands of Moya. Better tempo in the past few minutes.
End-to-end football at the moment with Alvaro combining with Alcacer for the home side, but the return pass is just short of the desired target. Falcao attempts to launch a counter-attack down the other end, but once more he is surrounded by two defenders in quick succession. Meanwhile, an injury to Lafita has resulted in a stoppage in play.
After a brief spell of treatment Lafita is deemed fit to continue his role on the pitch. It must be said that it is far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but the supporters are creating a good atmosphere. Meanwhile, there are no signs of either team going through the paces.
Bad news for Lafita. The Spaniard did attempt to run off his injury, but it appears that he will be unable to continue. Indeed he cannot as the change is made and Gavilan is introduced to the field. Just about 20 minutes on the clock and still we await the first real chance of the match.
Half-chance for the home side as Castro whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area towards Alvaro, but Miranda rises highest to head the ball back to his own goalkeeper. Slight calls for a penalty from the home supporters, but the referee was simply not interested. Atletico create an opportunity down the other end was Turan finds the head of Falcao, but his header is straight at Moya.
Falcao is involved once more as the Colombian striker meets another cross from Turan, but he is adjudged to have fouled Miguel Torres in the process of his jump and a free kick is awarded to Getafe. The match has just become slightly untidy in the last couple of moments with both teams giving away a host of free kicks.
Another problem for Atletico here as Juanfran is caught late in a challenge by Juan Rodriguez. Diego Simeone was certainly not best pleased with the challenge and let his feelings known on the sideline. However, after a brief spell of treatment the Spaniard does indeed return to the field. Atletico launch another counter moments later with Falcao, but he drives his effort just wide of the post.
The half-chances continue to fall for the away side as Falcao collects possession on the edge of the area before striking an effort on goal, but once more Moya is on hand to collect the danger. For all the shooting chances, neither team has really had a clear opportunity to open the score thus far.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match by some distance as Garcia collects possession before turning in the Getafe penalty area and firing his effort towards the top corner. However, it just bounces the wrong side of the post. That's really good work from the Spaniard. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Just a reminder that Atletico hold a 3-0 lead in this tie. Getafe would need to score three goals without reply in order to take the match into extra time. It is certainly within reach, but you do get the feeling that they would simply have to score the first goal. Atletico have certainly looked the most likely.
RED CARD: Rafa: Oh my word. Getafe are reduced to 10 men as Rafa dives into a challenge with Falcao and simply wins no part of the ball. The referee had no second thought in his head. That has just made the task even harder for Getafe. He has lost his head there.
It's good football from the home side as Alvaro combines with Castro before dancing into the Atletico penalty area, but Miranda makes a towering clearance at the vital moment. The sending-off has only further raised Atletico as Garcia meets a Turan cross, but his header is just over the crossbar.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Atletico are in complete control of the possession. The capital outfit are one of the last sides that Getafe would want to face with just 10 men. It is hard enough as it is. But the home side will continue to fight, their coach will demand it.
Again Atletico threaten as Garcia drives through the midfield before finding Turan down the left, but the Turkish international is just denied at the vital moment by Miguel Torres. Getafe attempt to launch a counter-attack down the other end, but Alcacer is incredibly isolated and cannot keep possession.
Not a great deal to report in the latter stages of the half with Atletico controlling possession of the ball with the extra man. It would take a minor miracle for them not to advance from this tie this evening. Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have live coverage from Barcelona versus Cordoba.
Atletico end the half very much on the front foot with Falcao and Turan both having strikes in the area, but Abraham blocks on each occasion. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
Decent response from the home side in stoppage time with Castro and Alvaro both causing problems with their attacking moment. But they cannot register an attempt on goal and the danger is cleared. They will need to score three without replay in the second period to take this into extra time.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 0-0 Atletico Madrid (0-3 on aggregate)
The referee blows his whistle and brings the first half of the second leg to an end. No goals to report, with the major incident seeing Rafa dismissed for a late challenge on Falcao. Atletico will advance to the next round as things stand.
It was a surprise that Atletico named such a strong team this evening, but it has certainly paid dividends. Falcao and Turan were both suspended for last weekend's league match, however, and both needed minutes following the winter break. It would come as no surprise if those two were removed early in the second period.
For Getafe, it was always going to be difficult for them to advance this evening. Luis Garcia named a strong team for the match, but even the most ardent Getafe supporter would have admitted that their priorities are elsewhere. That said, they may make me eat my words in the second period.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening. Barcelona versus Cordoba will follow this match with our coverage getting underway at around 8.22pm. The Catalan outfit are strong favourites to advance with a 2-0 lead from the first leg. Right, we are just a couple of moments away from the second period of this one.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. The match has been played at a high tempo thus far, but an early goal, especially if it comes for Getafe, would certainly liven up proceedings. Atletico get the action underway.
Atletico start the second period as they ended the first as Turan fires a cross into the penalty area, but Falcao just cannot make proper contact with his head and Moya is out to collect. Getafe attempt to launch an attack of their own moments later, but Courtois beats Alvaro to a through pass from Juan Rodriguez.
Early change for the home side as Valera is replaced by Hugo Fraile. It did appear that the defender was carrying a knock in the latter stages of the first period and has been unable to shake off the injury. Better from Getafe in the last couple of moments, but they still have not tested the away side's goalkeeper at any point this evening.
Atletico have just taken the sting out of the match in the past few moments with a spell of possession in their own half. In fairness to the home supporters they are continuing to back their team against the odds in the Spanish capital. A goal for Atletico at this point would certainly kill off whatever slim chance Getafe have of progressing to the next round.
It is easy to see how Atletico have enjoyed such success this season. The quality of their football does not jump out in the way it does with Barcelona, but the shape of their team can only be admired. You get the feeling that they are a side that would be capable of performing in the Champions League.
Half-chance for the home side as Juan Rodriguez whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Courtois comes out to punch clear. Nothing much from either side as an attacking threat in the past few moments. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face either Las Palmas or Real Betis in the next round.
Half-chance for Atletico down the other end as Falcao finds Turan in a wide position, but the Turkish international's effort is high and wide of the target. That is just about as close as either team have come in this second period. Little over 30 minutes of action in this Copa del Rey clash.
First change of the match for the away side as Diego Costa replaces Falcao. That comes as no great surprise. As mentioned, the Colombian was suspended for last weekend's match and therefore needed some minutes. The second change follows in quick succession as Turan is replaced by Gabi.
Gabi immediately takes control of the captain's armband on his introduction. In fairness to Getafe they continue to attack with numbers, but they are almost caught out down the other end as Costa rounds Moya. However, the Brazilian striker cannot find the back of the net.
Another half-chance for the away side as Suarez combines with Rodriguez before firing a high cross into the box, but Costa just cannot make contact under a challenge from Abraham. Meanwhile, it is the small pocket of Atletico supporters that can be heard with 64 minutes on the clock.
Not a great deal to report as we approach the latter stages of the second period. Atletico continue to play the better football as they switch possession from each wing, but they decide to retain the ball rather than lose it. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Castro is replaced by Pablo Sarabia.
Again Atletico decide to retain possession rather than crossing despite having Costa unmarked in the penalty area. Due to the result in the first leg, they have not been too interested in scoring this evening. It is almost like a training match with Getafe just starting to lose interest as the minutes advance.
The tie was certainly not decided before this evening, but you get the feeling that Getafe needed to score an early goal to hand themselves a chance. However, the fact that Atletico named such a strong side would have disillusioned Getafe before kickoff. Little over 20 minutes of football to play and it remains 0-0 on the night.
CHANCE! Just about as close as either team has come in the second period as Costa collects a pass from Garcia before driving into the Getafe penalty area, but he stumbles at the vital moment and Miguel Torres comes back to make the clearance. The Brazilian striker has been extremely lively since entering the field.
Atletico continue to dominate possession as we approach the final 15 minutes on the match. Another half-chance arrives as Suarez beats the offside trap before turning and striking on goal, but his effort just moved past the post. They have looked the more likely in the second period.
A host of home supporters just start to make their way to the exits with their team heading out of the Copa del Rey. More pressing matters are on the agenda at the weekend as they face Granada in the league. They simply have to return to winning ways after a disappointing spell of form.
Half-chance for Getafe as Alvaro dances into the penalty area before finding a low cross towards the back post, but Miranda just manages to beat Alcacer to the ball in order to clear the danger. However, the pressure does not last long as Atletico take control of the possession once more.
Not a great deal to report as we enter the final 10 minutes of the match. Atletico make their third and final change as Juanfran is replaced by Manquillo. Another impressive showing from the Spanish defender. Getafe attempt to threaten on the counter once more with Alvaro, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass.
Just a reminder to stay with us this evening for action from the Nou Camp. Las Palmas versus Real Betis also takes place this evening, with the winner of that particular match due to face Atletico Madrid in the next round. The remaining moments are being played at a very laboured pace here.
Decent spell in the last couple of minutes for the home side with Rodriguez twice whipping dangerous crosses into the penalty area, but the Atletico defence remains strong to clear the danger. A counter attack from the away side threatens down the other end, but Costa cannot collect a loose pass from Emre and the ball is cleared.
Atletico launch a spell of pressure of their own as they force a couple of corners, but once more it comes to nothing and the danger is cleared. Getafe attempt to break with pace and numbers, but the final pass is poor. That just about sums up the evening's events in the Spanish capital.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of added time and we are into the first of those. The last meaningful attack comes from the home side as Torres whips a high cross into the penalty area, but the Atletico goalkeeper comes out to clear, as he has all evening. Another fine display from the on-loan Chelsea stopper.
FULL-TIME: Getafe 0-0 Atletico Madrid (0-3 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Atletico book their spot in the next round courtesy of a 0-0 score against Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stay with us for action from Barcelona. Until then!
