Elche achieves a very important and hard-fought victory against Getafe that could be worth half a stay. With one game left before the season ends, Eder Sarabia’s team depends on itself to stay in the First Division. The Azulones played more than 50 minutes with one less man due to the expulsion of Djené and after a bad first half, the second half almost spoiled the Elche party. Despite the defeat, Getafe maintains its European options intact.
There was one team on the Martínez Valero pitch that was risking its life, Elche, and the other that was not, Getafe, and from the first minute that imperative need to add the three points for the Elche team was reflected in the match. The Elche team tirelessly searched for David Soria’s goal. They couldn’t create clear chances because Getafe is a very difficult team to attack, but they deserved it.
The home team’s goal came in the 19th minute with the signature of Víctor Chust, who volleyed violently from the edge of a clearance by Domingos Duarte, after a throw-in by Bigas. The goal brought delirium to the packed Martínez Valero stands.
Until that moment, Getafe had been a mere guest at the Elche party. He did not generate danger and was barely able to reach Dituro’s domain, which, incidentally, during the first 45 minutes he had to make some intervention.
Far from reacting after the Elche goal, Bordalás’ team continued to be harmless and it was Elche that continued looking for David Soria’s goal.
Things got even worse for Getafe in the 39th minute, when Djené saw a direct red card for a challenge on Germán Valera. García Verdura did not hesitate for a moment and sent the Togolese to the booth. Getafe held out for the remaining minutes until the break. It was Bordalás’ turn to rebuild the team
Radical change for Getafe
The passage through the locker room was providential for Getafe, who started the second half with a completely different attitude. More aggressive, with more intention. In short, a more recognizable team.
Elche was more conservative in the second half. He dedicated himself to temporizing and only attacking when he saw it very clearly. Diangana could have scored in the 55th minute, but he was able to take advantage of a magnificent cross from Tete Morente and his header went wide. The same protagonists tried again seven minutes later, but this time it was Zaid Romero who avoided a 2-0 that was already being sung in the stands.
In the final stretch of the match, Getafe asked for the second yellow card for slapping Zaid Romero in the face, a similar action between both protagonists had cost the Uruguayan a warning a few minutes before.
The nervousness was growing as the minutes passed because Elche was not able to close the game and Getafe was growing despite playing with one less man. The sentence was given to Germán Valera, who hit David Soria’s post with a shot after a pure sprinter’s race.