Getafe welcomed Valencia to the Spanish capital on Sunday knowing that three points would move them into fourth in the La Liga table.
Both sides had chances in an end-to-end first period, but Dorlan Pabon's long-range strike left Valencia ahead at the interval.
Getafe forced the issue in the latter stages, but could not make the breakthrough as the away side held on for a vital three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Sunday’s La Liga action opens in the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Valencia. As mentioned, the home side have won four of their last five games in the league, with that run of form leaving them in sixth. Meanwhile, Valencia, who have lost their last three La Liga matches, currently sit 12th.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Getafe. Valencia have won four of the last five matches, including victories in this stadium last season and in April 2011. However, there is no question which side enters this particular match in the stronger run of form.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Arroyo, Lisandro, Alexis, Escudero; Borja, Mosquera; Leon, Sarabia, Lafita; Ciprian
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, Costa, Mathieu, Bernat; Fuego, Parejo; Pabon, Banega, Piatti; Alcacer
So there we have it. Ciprian Marica leads the line for Getafe this afternoon, while Pedro Leon also starts despite concerns over a muscular injury. Valencia boss Miroslav Djukic, meanwhile, leaves Jonas and Helder Postiga on the bench. That opens up spots for Paco Alcacer and Pablo Piatti, who has recently returned from a long-term injury.
It is difficult not to be impressed with Getafe’s start to the season. They struggled in the early weeks, but have since become one of the form sides in the league. As it stands, they sit sixth in the table, just one point above Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal, who sit fifth and fourth respectively. Three points this afternoon would indeed move them into the top four.
Their home form has been particularly impressive with three wins, one draw and one loss from their five matches. However, they have also won three times on the road. Their only league defeat at home did come in their last match in this stadium, however, when they were beaten 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao.
Getafe’s goal tally this season has been quite impressive with 14 strikes in their 11 matches to date, which is the same number as Valencia. However, the home side have conceded just 12 times in contrast to Valencia’s 19, which is among the worst records in the division. Both sides have kept three clean sheets this season.
Valencia struggled in the early part of the season, but it did appear that they were turning things around. That has stalled in recent weeks, however, with three league defeats on the bounce. The most damaging result came last time out when they were beaten 2-1 on their home patch by Almeria, who had not won a league game all season.
As it stands, they currently sit 12th in the table. They have won three and drawn three on their own patch, but have won just once on the road. If they are to push for a European spot this season, these are the type of matches that they will need to win, or at least pick up a point. In many ways, this is the most fascinating La Liga fixture of the weekend.
PREDICTION: The form book says that Getafe will continue their winning run this afternoon. However, I like the look of the Valencia team. It is full of running and invention, which should cause problems to Getafe. I am not expecting too many goals in the Spanish capital, therefore I am going to back a 1-1 draw.
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. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as morning becomes afternoon in the Spanish capital. The away side get this week 12 La Liga fixture underway.
Bright start from Valencia as Piatti finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but there are no takers and Pedro Leon is on hand to clear the danger. Valencia are in their away orange strip this afternoon, while Getafe are in blue. Plenty happening in the opening couple of minutes as both sides commit players forward.
Half-chance for Marica as the Romanian finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting corner eventually finds Borja, but his effort is wide of the post. End-to-end start in the Spanish capital.
Another opportunity for Marica as the experienced forward bursts beyond the Valencia defence, but Costa is across to clear at the vital moment. Leon has another strike from outside the box moments later, but Alves is down to make the save. It has been some opening six minutes, with both sides committing players forward at every opportunity.
Good spell for Valencia in the last couple of moments with the likes of Juan Bernat and Dani Parejo seeing plenty of the ball. Ever Banega, who is playing just behind Alcacer this afternoon, attempts to slide a pass towards Pabon moments later, but Borja is across to clear the danger. It is the Valencia supporters that can be heard in the early stages here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Lafita's cross finds the head of Marica, but Alves is across to make a fine save. That is the closest that either side has come in the opening 10 minutes. It has been a high-tempo start to proceedings in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Costa makes contact with a cross from Banega, but Moya gathers before releasing Lafita down the other end. Eventually a free kick arrives for Getafe, which is whipped into the area by Leon, but the flag is raised. Early indications are that we will have goals in the Spanish capital this afternoon.
Big blow for Valencia here as their goalkeeper Alves signals that he cannot continue. It appears that a hamstring injury is the cause for concern. That forces the away side into a change with Guaita entering the field in place of the Brazilian. Hardly ideal for Djukic, who could be taking charge of Valencia for the final time this afternoon.
Valencia continue to threaten on the counter as Pabon collects possession down the left before finding Piatti, but Lopez is across to clear at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be crucial in this type of match. Getafe have had the only clear chance of the afternoon thus far with that Marica header.
Half-chance for Valencia as Banega finds Pabon on the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. Getafe break down the other end moments later, but Lafita loses possession at the final moment. Still goalless, but both sides continue to force the issue in the opposing half.
Opportunity for Valencia to threaten from a free kick as Escudero fells Parejo on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Parejo, but his effort is punched clear by Moya. The pressure continues as Mathieu whips a deep cross into the box, but finally the ball is cleared following a period of pin-ball inside the home side's box.
Stop-start period of the match in the last couple of moments with Borja receiving some treatment following a head injury. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. Neither team is really in control at the moment with 24 minutes on the clock.
CROSSBAR! Valencia's best chance of the match falls to Alcacer as the Spaniard is found by Barragan inside the box, but his header smashes off the top of the crossbar. Moments later Parejo has another effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the target.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pablo Sarabia strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Getafe work the ball from left to right moments later before Mosquera delivers into the box, but Guaita is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Banega takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from distance, but his effort does not trouble Moya in the Getafe goal. The home side break down the other end with Leon, but Guaita just manages to collect the loose ball inside the box. Still goalless, but both sides have had opportunities.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Valencia as Pabon's cross is met by Alcacer, but the youngster can only turn his effort wide of the post from close range. The Spaniard has had two golden chances in the first period. Somehow we are still level, but opportunities have arrived in the Spanish capital.
Pabon continues to threaten for Valencia as the Colombian twice delivers dangerous balls into the box in quick succession, but Getafe continue to repel the danger. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about down the other end, however, with Marica struggling for service. Leon looks the most likely to make something happen in the final third.
Half-chance for the home side as Marica finds some space down the right before delivering a cross towards Sarabia, but it is just too long for the Spaniard, who cannot make contact. The latter attempts to regain the ball from Barragan, but fells the defender and picks up a yellow card in the process. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Valencia continue to threaten in wide areas with Pabon delivering dangerous balls into the Getafe box, but we have not seen much from Piatti on the opposite flank. Just a few signs that Valencia are starting to raise the tempo in the latter stages of the half, but Getafe remain a threat on the counter with the pace and invention of former Real Madrid midfielder Leon.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Valencia (Pabon)
Oh my word what a strike from Pabon. The Colombian opens the scoring this afternoon as he thumps one into the top corner from outside the box. What a time to open the scoring in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Getafe to level as Marica's flicked header almost falls for Leon inside the box, but Guaita manages to collect at the vital moment. Valencia are down the other end with Pabon moments later, but this time the Colombian loses possession outside the box. It has been an enthralling half of football in Madrid there is no question about that.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the half and we are indeed into the second of those. Another half-chance for the away side as Banega finds Piatti inside the box, but his powerful effort is blocked by Lopez.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 0-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading 1-0 courtesy of a wonderful strike from Pabon after 40 minutes. It has been an entertaining first half of football in the Spanish capital with both sides having opportunities, but the away side lead at this stage of proceedings.
STATISTICS: Valencia have had more of the possession with 57%, while they have had eight attempts - three of which has been on target - to Getafe's six. It has not been a particularly dirty first period in terms of challenges, however, with Sarabia the only player to enter the book after 36 minutes.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Juan Valera, Diego Castro and Gavilan. Valencia, meanwhile, have been forced into a goalkeeping change with Guaita replacing Alves. However, they have a number of attacking options in reserve in the shape of Jonas, Helder Postiga, Sergio Canales and Fede Cartabia.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Valencia would rise into ninth position in the table. However, three points for Getafe would move them into fourth. Let's hope for an entertaining second period in the Spanish capital as Getafe get the half underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of proceedings. However, I expect that to change if the score remains the same around the hour mark. Bright start to the half from the home side as they pass and probe outside the Valencia box, but eventually the move comes to an end when Marica fells French defender Mathieu.
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - will be crucial in terms of the final result. That almost comes for Valencia as Piatti finds some space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Moya collects. Lafita wants a penalty down the other end moments later, but the referee is not interested.
Half-chance for Alcacer as the Valencia forward strikes one from outside the box, but Moya is on hand to collect. Plenty happening in the early stages of the second period with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Meanwhile, it appears that Diego Castro could soon be joining us for the home side. End-to-end football with 53 minutes on the clock.
Getafe do make a change, but it is not Castro. Lacen enters the field in place of Borja, who picked up that injury in the early stages of the match. Valencia want a penalty moments later as Arroyo appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given. Still 1-0 to Valencia in the early stages of the second period.
Another half-chance for the away side as Banega strikes one from outside the box, but Moya is on hand to make the save. Getafe are down the other end with Lafita moments later, but the Spaniard falls inside the box at the vital moment. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides continue to force the issue in the final third.
Marica has a half-chance for the home side as he finds some space inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Getafe make their second change of the match moments later as Castro replaces Lafita. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals with little more than 30 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but the opportunities continue to arrive from distance. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as each continues to commit players into the final third. It has been an enthralling 62 minutes of football in this La Liga clash.
Pabon takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Getafe are down the other end moments later, but Leon's cross is straight into the arms of Guaita, who has not been too troubled in the second period thus far.
Valencia make their second change of the match and it is their goalscorer that departs as Pabon is replaced by Fede, who will provide pace and invention in the final third. The youngster is immediately involved as he combines with Piatti on the edge of the box, but Lopez is across to challenge at the final moment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
If Getafe can score in the next five minutes or so, then you would fancy them to claim all three points. However, Valencia have been compact in defence thus far. Marica is again involved moments later as he combines with Arroyo before driving a low cross into the box, but there are a number of orange shirts in the way.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to level as Leon finds some space inside the box, but his low effort is saved by Guaita. The resulting corner also causes concern to the away side, but the referee takes the pressure off by awarding a free kick to Valencia.
Little over 15 minutes remaining in the Spanish capital and still Valencia lead courtesy of that fine strike from Pabon in the latter stages of the first period. It has not been pretty, but three points would keep Djukic in a job. It would also move the away side into ninth position in the table. More changes are imminent for both sides.
Good pressure from Getafe in the last couple of moments as they continue to pass and probe outside the Valencia box, but they are really struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Castro takes matters into his own hands moments later with an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Valencia make their third and final change of the match as Canales replaces Piatti, who has been struggling in the last couple of moments. Getafe also look to their bench with Gavilan replacing Arroyo. Little over 10 minutes for the home side to rescue at least a point here.
Valencia have just slowed the tempo in the last couple of moments, which is frustrating the home supporters and players alike. However, you just get the feeling that there will be a couple more changes in the latter stages. Getafe need to score twice if they are to move into fourth spot in the table.
More frustration for the home side as Marica loses possession inside the Valencia box before fouling Mathieu and picking up a yellow card for his troubles. It just has not happened in the final third for Getafe this afternoon. Not too much from Valencia in attack, but they have a lead to protect with 83 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side as Lopez strikes one from outside the box, but Guaita manages to punch clear. The pressure continues as it threatens to drop to a blue shirt inside the box, but Mathieu, who is struggling, manages to clear. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Castro finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but it just deflects wide of the post for Getafe's seventh corner of the match. The attack is cut short moments later as the referee awards Valencia a free kick.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Valencia slowing the tempo with a period of possession inside the Getafe half. If the home side are to level, then it has to come now. We are into the final minute of the 90. Can Valencia hold on for a vital three points?
Half-chance for the home side as Castro meets a cross from Marica, but his header is straight into the arms of Guaita. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Time is running out for Getafe.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score their second on the counter as Fede advances one-on-one with Moya, but the Getafe stopper manages to make a fine save. That would have made sure of the points.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for the home side to level in the fourth additional minute as Castro sets up Alexis on the edge of the box, but the defender's effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It's handbags between both sets of players moments later as the Valencia stopper clashes with Alexis.
FULL TIME: Getafe 0-1 Valencia
So there we have it. Vital three points for Valencia as they secure a 1-0 win over Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Be sure to join us again this afternoon from 3.30pm for more La Liga football. Until then!
