Real Sociedad travelled to Getafe on Monday knowing that victory would move them five points clear of fifth-placed Valencia in the league table.
Sociedad took the lead early on courtesy of a Carlos Vela header, but Pedro Leon levelled proceedings with 18 minutes on the clock.
Getafe were then ahead five minutes before the interval when Abdelaziz Barrada pounced in the box to thump his effort into the back of the net from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 34 in La Liga is completed as Getafe welcome Real Sociedad to the Spanish capital. The home side still have a spot in the Europa League on their mind, while Sociedad are the favourites to secure fourth position in the table. Both are in need of the three points, which should provide an open affair this evening.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five matches, with the other three ending in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Getafe were 1-0 winners the last time the two sides met at this stadium in March 2012.
Despite Getafe’s solid position in the league table, they have lost each of their last three matches. They had been in the mix for European football at the turn of the year, which indeed remains the case now, but they are now the side chasing those above them. Three points is a necessity this evening if they are to keep their chances alive.
Their home record this season has been fairly impressive with eight wins from their 16 matches, losing just four times in the process. However, they have lost nine of their 17 matches on the road, which has ultimately cost them a position further up the league table in the latter stages of the season.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Lopo, Mane, Fernandez; Rodriguez, Lafita, Leon, Castro; Lacen, Barrada
SOCIEDAD: Bravo; Mikel, De la Bella, C Martinez, I Martinez; Zurutuza, Bergara, Pardo; Agirretxe, Vela, Griezmann
So there we have it. No place for Paco Alcacer in the Getafe side this evening, with Lacen and Barrada preferred in the forward positions. Diego Castro also starts, alongside Pedro Leon. Attacking lineup for Sociedad, meanwhile, with Carlos Vela, Antoine Griezmann and Agirretxe all selected.
Sociedad are enjoying a quite remarkable season. Along with Atletico Madrid, they have been the biggest success story of the campaign and are nailed on to secure the final Champions League position in the table. Three points this evening would move them five points clear of Valencia with four matches remaining.
Sociedad have been strong on the road this season with six wins from their 16 matches, with only four teams winning more league games away from home. They have also been impressive on their own patch with 10 wins from 17 matches, losing just twice in the process, which is an incredible improvement from last season.
In terms of the statistics, Getafe have found the back of the net just 40 times this season, which is among the lowest totals in the division. Meanwhile, they have conceded 50 goals, which is in keeping with their league position. Sociedad, meanwhile, have conceded 41 goals, but are the third-highest scorers with 61.
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. In truth, I just cannot see Getafe taking anything from this evening. Sociedad have too much in attack for a wobbly defence. It is a 2-0 away victory for me.
Just a reminder of the main team news, no Alvaro or Sarabia for the home side, with Lacen and Barrada both selected in attack. Sociedad recall Zurutuza to their midfield, while there is also a starting role for Ruben Pardo. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in the Spanish capital.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but those in attendance are doing their best to create a strong atmosphere. Bright start from the home side as Vela drives a low cross into the box, but Moya is across to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be all-important this evening.
It must be said that the pitch is in fabulous condition for this stage of the season. I am not certain if there are many better collection of pitches than in La Liga. Not too much for either side to get excited about in the opening four minutes, however, with each just trying to feel their way into the match. Let's hope for goals this evening.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Sociedad (Vela)
It's a dream start for the away side as Vela heads a Zurutuza cross into the back of the net. Stunning finish from the Mexican forward, who has now scored 14 goals this season. Fabulous ball from the Spanish midfielder, but it needed a cool finish.
Carlos Martinez attempts to force the issue for the away side once more as he floats a high cross into the box, but Juan Valera is on hand to clear under pressure from Vela. De la Bella is down the opposite side moments later, but his cross is into the arms of Moya. Getafe just need to settle with a period of possession here.
Half-chance for the home side moments later as Barrada strikes an effort from outside the box, but Bravo is down low to make the save. The danger remains as Lafita is found by Rafa in the box, but his touch is just too long. Early suggestions are that we will have plenty of attacking action this evening.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack. Barrada is once more involved for the home side as he rounds two defenders before moving into the Sociedad box, but Bravo is out to smother at the vital moment. Agirretxe threatens down the other end, but he cannot turn and find an effort on goal.
Another half-chance for the away side as Vela combines with Griezmann before the former drives a low cross into the box, but Mane is across to make the clearance. Unselfish from the Mexican, but he perhaps should have taken the chance on. Leon strikes one from distance down the other end, but Bravo makes the save.
Slightly scrappy few moments of the match with both sides guilty of giving away possession in the opposition half. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to deal with a number of late challenges. Tonight's man in the middle is Alberto Undiano, who is certainly one of the most experienced officials in Spain. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock.
Neither team is too interested in defending at the moment as each continues to force the issue in the final third. Another half-chance comes to Sociedad from a Bergara free kick, but his set piece is straight into the arms of Moya. Getafe break with Barrada, but once more the final pass is short of the required quality.
GOAL! Getafe 1-1 Sociedad (Leon)
Getafe level! Well, the home side needed something special and my word have they got it. Stunning finish from Leon as the Spaniard collects a loose pass in the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. We are all level here.
That has certainly made things more interesting. There was a worry that this match would get away from Getafe, but they have now levelled proceedings. The opening 22 minutes of this match have just flown past. Just a reminder that three points for Getafe would put them back in the race for a Europa League position, but Sociedad have Champions League football on their mind.
Nasty injury for Agirretxe here as the Sociedad striker clashes heads with Rafa. The fitness staff have been called onto the pitch with blood present on the Spaniard's head. In truth, a 1-1 draw would not be the worst result for either of these two sides, but neither has played for it thus far that is for certain. We are back underway following that stoppage.
Good spell for the home side in the last couple of moments with Lacen and Leon enjoying plenty of the ball in midfield. The latter attempts to slide a pass towards Barrada, but it just breaks down. Vela has possession down the other end moments later, but the flag is raised, although replays have shown that he was indeed onside.
Half-chance for Lafita this time as the Spaniard collects possession outside the box before bending an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Neither side is really in control at the moment with each enjoying spells with possession. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
It's good work from Barrada as the Getafe attacker battles for possession outside the box before sliding a pass towards Castro, but Mikel is across to clear at the vital moment. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about at the moment with Griezmann and Vela seeing little of the ball. However, they are always a threat on the counter attack.
It's poor from Mikel, with the Spaniard diving into a challenge with Barrada, felling the attacker in the process. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Leon, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Bravo. Vela attempts to break down the other end, but Mane takes control of the situation before finding his goalkeeper.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Castro finds Lafita in the box, but somehow the Spaniard clips wide from close range. Oh my word he just had to score. Perhaps that is why Getafe have been unable to make that step into the top six this season. They are without a regular scorer.
Half-chance for Vela this time as the Mexican combines with Pardo before floating a cross into the box, but Mane is across to clear. The resulting corner is delivered by Griezmann, but once more it comes to nothing. Aside from the two goals, both teams have been defensively sound in the opening 37 minutes of football.
Castro becomes the first player to have his name taken by the referee for a lunging challenge on Vela outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Griezmann, but the Frenchman's effort is straight into the arms of Moya. The Getafe goalkeeper makes a bit of a meal of it, but the danger is cleared.
GOAL! Getafe 2-1 Sociedad (Barrada)
Getafe lead! It's a real poachers goal from Barrada as the attacker collects a loose save from Bravo before smashing into the back of the net from close range. The Sociedad stopper will feel that he should have done better, but Barrada was not prepared to wait around.
All of a sudden Sociedad's chances of a top-four finish look slightly harmed. However, there is still a lot of football to be played this evening. It is the home side that continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the half, but Carlos Martinez is on hand to hook clear after good work from Castro.
Sociedad attempt to force the issue as Vela combines with Bergara before driving into the box, but Moya is across to claim at the vital moment. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 2-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Getafe leading 2-1. It was Sociedad that took the lead in the early stages courtesy of a header from Vela, but goals from Leon and Barrada have turned this one around. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Both sides have enjoyed 50% of the possession in the first period, but Getafe have had more attempts with seven to Sociedad's four. The away side certainly started the brighter, but it has been Getafe's half since the fourth minute. As it stands, the home side will move into eighth position in the table.
BENCH WATCH: Getafe have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Sarabia, Alvaro, Alcacer and Xavi Torres. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Castro, Ifran and Javi Ros in reserve. I am certain that we will see changes at some point in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. Just a reminder that Sociedad will remain fourth whatever the result this evening, but a loss would leave Valencia just two points behind. The home side get the half underway.
I suspect that Montanier will have had some tough words to say to his side at the interval. Sociedad certainly started well, but they faded desperately in the latter stages. Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period with both sides guilty of a host of lazy challenges. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in the second period.
It's really bright work from the away side as Vela combines with Griezmann before driving a low cross into the box, but Moya is out to claim at the vital moment. Inigo Martinez attempts to force the issue moments later as he bursts into the Getafe half, but Rafa fells the young defender. Better pressure from Sociedad.
Good possession from the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Borja and Leon enjoying plenty of the ball, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. The rain has just started to fall in Madrid, which could play a part as the challenges continue to fly in. Still no real chances for either side in the second period.
Barrada becomes the latest player to have his name taken by the referee for a late challenge on Vela, who has been quiet since opening the scoring after four minutes. The resulting free kick is taken on by De la Bella, but Mane is on hand to make the clearance. Still no movement on either bench with 54 minutes on the clock.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides committing numbers to each attack, but the greasy pitch is certainly causing problems. De la Bella is again involved as he slides a pass towards Vela, but the danger is cleared, before Griezmann is challenged by the Getafe goalkeeper moments later.
Sociedad want a penalty as Rafa appears to handle in the box, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that it struck the defender's elbow, but I have certainly seen them given. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Madrid, with Getafe still leading 2-1.
Griezmann is handed a yellow card for a really poor challenge on Mane, which is a reflection of the second period. There has been very few chances, rather a host of challenges and offside decisions. However, you just get the feeling that we will have more goals this season. I suspect we could see changes in the next 10 minutes or so. Both have players that could effect proceedings.
Half-chance for Lacen this time as the Getafe midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but Mikel is across to make the block. Juan Valera is down the right moments later, but the linesman halts play with his flag. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are attempting to raise their side.
The yellow cards continue to arrive as Fede picks up a booking for a late lunge on Vela. The resulting free kick is taken by Zurutuza, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Barrada attempts to break down the other end, but his pass towards Lacen is just too long. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Mikel gains a yellow card for a late challenge on Castro, which hands the home side a free kick just outside the box. Leon takes the resulting set piece, but Bravo is across to make the save. Good effort, good save. Another goal for the home side at this stage would leave Sociedad with a real mountain to climb.
Sociedad make the first change of the match as Pardo is replaced by Gonzalo Castro. Extremely positive change from Montanier. Right, we have little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Madrid. In truth, not too much has happened in the second period, but at 2-1, there is always a chance. Sociedad have a wealth of attacking talent on display in the latter stages of this match.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Castro moves past two defenders before firing a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. Lafita is involved in a similar situation moments later, but once more the danger is cleared. Sociedad are coming under real pressure here, but they are holding on, just. They really need some sort of inspiration here.
It just isn't happening for Vela at the moment as the Mexican loses control in the final third before fouling the goalkeeper. The former Arsenal striker has been sensational for Sociedad this season, but he has struggled this evening, despite opening the scoring after four minutes. Now I have said that the forward will probably score twice in the last 15 minutes.
The scrappy period of the match continues with both sides diving into late challenges. I could quite easily see a red card in the latter stages of this match. Inigo Martinez attempts to force the issue for Sociedad as he delivers a high cross into the box, but Moya is out to collect. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining, Getafe remain 2-1 in the lead.
CHANCE! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Castro delivers a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. Quite incredible. Meanwhile, Sociedad make another change as Zurutuza is replaced by Ifran. Getafe also make a change with Barrada replaced by Sarabia.
Another change for the home side as Xavi Torres replaces Borja, who has been impressive this evening. Lafita continues to lead the line for Getafe as he wins a free kick from Inigo Martinez outside the box. However, the resulting set piece comes to nothing. Will we have late drama here?
Sociedad want a penalty as Vela drives an effort at Fede from close range, but the referee is simply not interested. It has been another impressive display from the man in the middle this evening. Lacen has an effort from distance down the other end, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar.
Again Castro is involved for Sociedad as he collects possession down the left before chipping a wonderful cross into the box, but Rafa is across to make the clearance. Another fine delivery from Castro causes problems from the resulting corner, but Moya manages to clear. Sociedad are asking some serious questions as we approach the latter stages.
Third and final change for the away side as Carlos Martinez is replaced by Dani Estrada. Half-chance for Griezmann moments later as the Frenchman bursts into Getafe box, but he can only clip his effort over the crossbar. How significant could that miss prove to be at the end of the season?
Getafe are forced into their third change of the match as Lop replaces Rafa, who has been in the wars this evening that is for certain. Stunning performance from the Spanish defender this evening. Time is just running out for Sociedad as another deep cross from Castro is collected by Moya.
One-way traffic at the moment as Sociedad continue to force the issue, but it is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Getafe. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of stoppage time, we are indeed into the first of those.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Lafita to add Getafe's third as he bursts into the box before settling in front of goal, but somehow he fires wide of the post. That is a quite stunning miss from the Spaniard. Will Getafe be made to rue that missed chance?
FULL-TIME: Getafe 2-1 Sociedad
So there we have it. Getafe recover from a goal behind to secure all three points against Sociedad, who remain in fourth position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for a host of live commentaries this week. Good evening!
