Getafe welcomed Granada to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday with both clubs struggling for form in Spain's top division.
The home side took the lead after 19 minutes when Juan Rodriguez turned home from close range, but Granada levelled with a controversial penalty from Guilherme Siqueira after 28 minutes.
Getafe were back ahead moments before the interval, however, when Paco Alcacer latched onto a through-pass before firing his effort past the onrushing Roberto.
Both teams had chances in the second period, but the match ended in sensational fashion as Siqueira scored his second penalty in the final moments to secure a point for Granada.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 19 in La Liga is completed as Getafe welcome a struggling Granada side to the Spanish capital. Neither team enters the match in a particularly good run of form, but due to the proximity of the league table, three points at this stage would be enough to elevate one of these sides up the league.
It is difficult to put into words just how important this match is for both teams, but especially for the home side. They have gone six matches without a win in any competition and with games against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla to come in the next few weeks, they simply have to start picking up victories in these sort of matches.
Granada will not be in a generous mood, however, as they contend with their own problems. They head to the capital just one point above bottom-placed Osasuna, but they will take heart from their away performances this season, with three of their four league wins coming on the road.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Rafa, Alexis, Abraham; Gavilan, Rodriguez, Castro, Torres; Adrian, Alcacer
GRANADA: Roberto; Siqueira, Nyom, Mainz, Diakhate; Santos, Brahimi, Angulo, Rico, Torje; Ighalo
It is probably worth taking a closer look at the bottom of the table. The fact that there are just three points between 20th and 15th tells you everything that you need to know. A single victory at this stage of the season, let alone back-to-back wins, would be enough to ease any side’s problems near the foot of the table. Even Athletic Bilbao in 14th position will be looking over their shoulder.
Right, let’s take a look at some in-depth statistics. Getafe enter the match in slightly the better form having taken eight points from the last 18 on offer, that is in contrast to Granada who have taken just five in the same period. In terms of putting that into context with the rest of the division, Barcelona top the table with 18 points, while Celta sit bottom with just four.
Now for the goals conceded and goals scored statistics. Getafe have scored 22 goals in their 18 matches thus far, in contrast to Granada who have scored just 14, the joint-lowest in the division alongside Osasuna. Granada have fared slightly better in defence, conceding 27 goals to Getafe’s 28. Those statistics do point to a close game this evening.
The last two encounters between the teams were also close affairs with the home side winning the match 1-0 on each occasion. A similar result this evening would be enough to move Getafe into ninth position in the table. They would probably be happy with a mid-table finish come the end of the season, but they are just six points off the top seven.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither team has been in sparkling form of late and therefore I am backing a score draw between the two sides. It could be one of those matches where the first goal has a huge effect on the final result.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let’s just recap the main team news. Getafe name a strong side with Diego Castro playing deeper than Adrian Colunga and Paco Alcacer this evening. Meanwhile, Iriney Santos comes into the Granada team alongside Mikel Rico, but Dani Benitez is injured. Little under two minutes until kickoff.
Today’s referee is Alfonso Alvarez. Let’s hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of the evening. A reminder that three points for the away side would move them out of the relegation zone and into 15th, while Getafe would rise into ninth with a win. The away side get the action underway.
Decent start from the away side with Mikel Rico and Iriney Santos enjoying early possession of the ball. The former attempts to find the run of Ighalo, but the pass is just too long and Moya is out to collect. Getafe attempt to launch an attack down the other end with Alvaro, but the Spaniard cannot collect under pressure from Nyom.
Again it's good work from Ighalo as the Nigerian striker darts into the box before turning and firing a low cross towards Torje, but Alexis is across to clear the danger. The resulting corner is taken by Santos, but Lopo rises highest to meet the cross. Neither side has really settled with possession inside the opening four minutes.
Strong penalty shout for the home side as Paco Alcacer dances into the box before being felled by Mainz, but the referee is not interested and it moves out for a corner. The resulting set piece is driven towards Xavi Torres, but once more it comes to nothing as the danger is cleared. It must be said that it has been a disappointing turn-out for this match.
Slightly better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Adrian linking with Alcacer before the latter fires a cross into the penalty area, but it just would not fall for Castro and Roberto is out to collect the danger. End-to-end football at the moment, although we are still waiting for the first real chance of the match with eight minutes on the clock.
Again Getafe threaten as Castro whips a low cross into the penalty area, but Diakhate is on hand to clear the danger. However, the defender receives a rocket from his goalkeeper who appeared in a good position to collect. Luckily for Granada, the resulting attack comes to nothing. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their side in the early stages.
Slightly scrappy period to the match at the moment with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks. The first card of the match is awarded to Iriney as the Granada midfielder is adjudged to have felled Gavilan in the middle of the park. It was a bit of a nothing challenge, but the referee is laying down the marker. Neither team has really tested the opposing goalkeeper thus far.
Decent pressure from Granada as Ighalo forces Alexis into a rushed clearance and it moves out for a corner. Diakhate meets the resulting cross, but he just could not make proper contact and it moves out of play for a goal kick. A reminder that victory for the away side would move them out of the relegation zone. But neither of these two sides has been in good form in recent weeks.
The second yellow card of the match is handed to Colunga as the Getafe striker dives into a challenge with Iriney. There is just a danger things could boil over here as the tackles continue to fly in. Again it's decent work from Rico as the Spaniard cuts inside before finding Torje, but the Romanian's cross is cleared by Rafa.
Half-chance for the away side to have a strike on goal as Alexis is adjudged to have fouled Ighalo outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Siqueira, but his effort is straight into the wall. That is really poor from that position. Getafe launch an attack down the other end, but Santos could not find Alcacer with the slipped pass. Granada advance down the other end, but Mainz picks up a yellow for a foul on Castro.
GOAL! Getafe 1-0 Granada (Juan Rodriguez)
Getafe force a free kick of their own as Diakhate fells Gavilan outside the penalty area. The set piece is whipped into the box by Castro and Rodriguez is on hand to tap home from close range. The home side lead with 19 minutes on the clock.
Granada attempt to launch an immediate response as Angulo fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Alexis rises highest to head clear. Meanwhile, the attack is cut short as Iriney is deemed to have handled outside the Getafe box. You just get the feeling that the away side need to stay in this match in the next few minutes.
Again it's decent possession from the away side as Torje combines with Ighalo before the Romanian fires a high cross into the penalty area, but the ball is collected by Moya. Getafe advance immediately down the other end with Alcacer, but the Spaniard cannot sort out his feet in the box before Colunga fires a tame effort at Roberto.
Another half-chance for Getafe as Valera strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Roberto just manages to palm into the box. The loose ball is almost picked up by Alcacer, but Angulo manages to clear the danger. The home supporters are making their voices known with 26 minutes on the clock.
It's all one-way traffic at the moment as Getafe continue to pass and probe outside the Granada penalty area. However, the move breaks down as Valera is adjudged to have moved into an offside position.
PENALTY TO GRANADA: The away side are awarded a penalty as Abraham is adjudged to have handled inside the penalty area. Replays have shown it to be a very poor decision. If anything, it may have slightly moved past the defender's right arm. Incredible.
GOAL! Getafe 1-1 Granada (Siqueira)
Sensational penalty from the Granada defender as Siqueira thumps his effort into the top corner. No goalkeeper in world football is saving that effort. It has come in controversial fashion, but Granada have levelled the score at 1-1.
The home side attempt to move back ahead in the match as Alcacer drives forward before finding Colunga in a wide position, but the move just breaks down at the vital moment with Angulo coming across to clear the danger. Getafe continue to pass and probe outside the box, but eventually Valera's effort comes back off his leg and moves out for a goal kick. Little under 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but both sets of supporters are doing their best to raise the volume in the Spanish capital. Nothing much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments. However, the action remains end-to-end with both goalkeepers called into action from high balls.
Half-chance for Granada as Nyom advances down the right before whipping a high cross into the box, but Moya is comfortable in dealing with the danger. The Spaniard attempts to restart a counter for his side in the shape of Torres, but the midfielder just runs out of legs and Nyom is back on the cover. It really is a fascinating encounter as things stand. The score remains 1-1.
The match has just settled since the second goal with both teams enjoying spells of possession in midfield. Torres attempts to force the issue for Getafe with a driving run, but he cannot control at the vital moment and it moves out for a goal kick. I backed this scoreline before the match, but you just get the feeling that there are more goals on the agenda in the Spanish capital.
The home side continue to look the most likely as Rodriguez drives down the left before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but Roberto comes out to collect. Interestingly, however, the goalkeeper keeps hold of possession for a couple of seconds rather than starting an attack. Granada could certainly do with tightening up before the interval. Little over five minutes of the half to play.
The referee almost gives Castro a fright as he walks towards the Getafe midfielder with a red card in his hand, but yellow is colour shown to the attacker. Granada have a chance from the resulting free kick as Ighalo pounces in the box, but his effort is just wide of he target. That will go down as an opportunity.
GOAL! Getafe 2-1 Granada (Alcacer)
Getafe take the lead moments before the interval as Alcacer collects a pass from Torres before beating the offside trap and firing his effort over the onrushing Roberto. The Granada defence wanted a flag, but it stayed down. What a big moment in this match. Little over two minutes of the half remaining.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half. Getafe continue to threaten with Alcacer and Colunga causing problems with their pace and movement, but the latter is late on Mainz and a free kick is awarded to give Granada some respite.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 2-1 Granada
So there we have it. Getafe enter the break 2-1 in the lead following goals from Juan Rodriguez and Paco Alcacer. It has been a half full of chances and talking points, with Granada's goal coming from a controversial penalty.
The referee awarded the away side a spot kick for an Abraham handball in the penalty area, although replays have shown that it was an incredibly harsh decision. Siqueira made no mistake form the spot, however, to level the score for his side. Right, let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football.
Getafe have shaded the possession with 57%, while they have had four attempts to Granada's two. The fact that the away side's only shot on target came from the penalty spot tells you everything you need to know about their play in the final third. It would be difficult to argue that the home side do not deserve to be ahead.
A reminder that three points for the home side would move them into ninth position in the table, while Granada would remain in the bottom three. In terms of the second period, Getafe could call upon Alvaro Vasquez in the latter stages. Granada have Jaime Romero in reserve and could look to the playmaker early in the second half.
Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could prove vital. Let's hope that the second period is as action-filled as the first. Getafe get the half underway.
Strong start to the second half from the home side as Torres combines with Colunga before attempting to find Alcacer with a searching pass, but it just fails to reach its target. Granada advance down the other end with Brahimi, but the Frenchman's cross rebounds back to Santos. No sign of the tempo slowing from the first period.
A poor header from Alexis almost puts his goalkeeper in trouble as the Spaniard attempts to find Moya, but it deceives the stopper before rolling towards goal. Luckily for the defender it did not have enough power to evade capture. Slightly sloppy play from both sides in the last couple of moments.
Castro attempts to carry the fight once more for the home side as he drives into the Granada half before firing a cross into the box, but Angulo is on hand to clear the danger under pressure from Alcacer. The chance remains as Castro collects the loose pass, but once more the final ball is just short of the desired target.
Half-chance for the home side to break once more as Colunga evades two challenges before searching out the run of Castro, but Mainz comes across to clear the danger. A little bit more care on that pass and Getafe would have been through on goal once more. It is difficult to imagine Granada coming back from 3-1 behind at this stage of the match.
Granada make a double change 11 minutes into the second period as Recio and Jaime Romero replace Iriney and Angulo. Still no movement on the Getafe bench, although I suspect that to change as the half develops. We are still waiting for the first real chance in this second period, although the home side look the most likely as things stand.
Better from Granada in the last couple of moments as Romero collects possession from Brahimi before driving to the edge of the Getafe penalty area, but the Spaniard just cannot find that final pass and Moya is out to collect. It really is a bitter night in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the home side as Gavilan drives a low cross into the penalty area, but somehow Rodriguez cannot make contact at the far post and it moves out for a throw. That was the chance to all but wrap up the three points in this match. Could they be made to rue the missed chance?
Half-chance down the other end as Brahimi as the midfielder collects possession outside the box before striking a low effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Little under 30 minutes of football to play in Madrid.
Another half-chance for Granada as Rico strikes an effort from outside the box, but once more it moves wide of the post. That has just about summed up the away side's threat in this second period. They have enjoyed decent pressure, without really threatening to level the terms.
Granada continue to push forward with Romero adding a new dimension to their attacking play. However, the final pass continues to elude them as Alexis comes across to clear once more. Getafe's threat is mainly coming on the break with the pace of Colunga, but they have not created a clear chance for some time. The nervousness can be felt in the crowd.
End-to-end football at the moment, but neither side has really come close to adding to the tally. A long pass towards Alcacer threatens to get the young striker away, but he has no support and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the referee is forced into action once more with both teams giving away a host of fouls.
It is a case of anywhere will do at the moment for Getafe as they continue to clear their lines. Meanwhile, they make their first change of the match as Alcacer is replaced by Pablo Sarabia. You just get the feeling that there is late drama to come in this match as Ighalo beats the offside trap before advancing into the Getafe box, but Moya is quick off his line to clear.
Another half-chance for Granada as Romero drives down the left before whipping a high cross into the box, but Moya comes out to collect the danger. Getafe are simply not interested in attacking at the moment as they continue to clear their lines on each occasion. Little under 20 minutes of football to play.
It's wonderful feet from Brahimi as the French midfielder dances into the Getafe penalty area before finding Romero, but Alexis is across to clear the danger for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Rico, but the danger is cleared. It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment.
POST! Wonderful chance for the home side to add their third as Colunga advances on goal. He rounds the goalkeeper before firing his effort towards the bottom corner, but it bounces off the post. What a moment to all but secure all three points. The home side make another change as Colunga is replaced by Alvaro.
The away side make another change as Orellana replaces Nyom. That demonstrates some serious attacking intent for the remaining stages of this match. Getafe continue to drop deeper and deeper and you do wonder whether they will be made to pay the ultimate price. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
CROSSBAR! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Alvaro strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but it smashes against the crossbar. Castro comes close moments later, but somehow Roberto makes the save. Incredible drama here with both teams attacking.
Half-chance for Granada down the other end as Rico whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Alexis rises highest to clear the danger. The resulting corner is fired into the box by Torje, but Mainz clears once more. Surely there is another goal left in this match. Little over eight minutes of football remaining.
It just isn't happening for Granada as another attack breaks down. Getafe have the ball in the back of the net moments later as Alvaro pounces in the box before firing home from close range, but the offside flag is raised. However, replays have suggested that the goal should indeed have stood. Will it matter come the end of the evening?
Little under five minutes of football remaining and still both teams go in search of the next goal. Granada have had so much possession in the final third, but continue to miss that final pass and Getafe are able to clear. It is backs against the wall with 86 minutes on the clock.
Penalty shout for the home side as Alvaro is felled in the penalty area by Recio, but the referee is not interested as he allows play to continue. The match remains ever so open as Granada advance down the other end, but Torje can only fire his effort over the crossbar.
The pressure continues as Granada pass and probe around the edge of the box, but once more it breaks down. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Gavilan is replaced by Borja. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
Granada continue to force the issue with a series of corners in quick succession, but they simply cannot find the back of the net with the danger cleared on each occasion. Getafe attempt to break with Castro, but Granada gather before launching an attack once more.
PENALTY TO GRANADA: OH MY WORD! The away side are awarded a penalty in the final minute of added time as Valera is adjudged to have handled in the penalty area. What an incredible moment in this football match. Just sensational.
GOAL! Getafe 2-2 Granada (Siqueira)
Granada level! Siqueira steps up to the spot before firing his effort into the bottom corner. That is another sensational penalty from the defender. Oh what an end to this match. This is Spanish football at its very best folks.
FULL-TIME: Getafe 2-2 Granada
So there we have it. A quite sensational end to the match as Granada secure a point and move out of the relegation zone. Two really harsh penalty decisions for the home side to take. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then!
