Real Valladolid welcomed Getafe to the Jose Zorrilla on Saturday looking to record their first points of the league season.
The home side had the best of the chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough as the score remained level at the interval.
Valladolid were ahead early in the second half, however, when Marc Valiente headed home from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Jose Zorrilla as Real Valladolid welcome Getafe. It could be a long, hard season for the home side, who are yet to pick up a point, while Getafe have also struggled in the early part of the season with just one point from their first two matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Valladolid were 2-1 winners in the corresponding match last season, but Getafe were 2-1 winners on their home patch in November. There has also been a recent goalless draw in this stadium between the two sides (May 2010).
Dating back to last season, Valladolid have lost each of their last five matches, including defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal this season. Getafe, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five. They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on the opening weekend of the season, but picked up a point in a 2-2 draw with newly-promoted Almeria last time out.
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Marino; Rueda, Rukavina, Valiente, Pena; Bergdich, Rubio, Oscar, Omar; Sastre, Guerra
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Alexis, Rafa, Escudero; Borja, Lafita, Leon, Castro, Lacen; Adrian
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Valladolid XI this evening with Javi Guerra continuing in attack alongside Lluis Sastre. Meanwhile, Oscar Gonzalez and Omar Ramos are also selected. For Getafe, Adrian Colunga leads the line, while Pedro Leon also comes into the midfield. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere with the home supporters in good voice. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes, but Valladolid are enjoying the early possession. They really need a positive result this evening there is no question about that.
First sign of the away side as an attacking threat as Adrian collects a pass from Leon before moving into the opposing box, but he is crowded out by two defenders. Lafita is involved moments later as he slides a pass beyond the Valladolid back four, but Diego Marino is quick off his line to quell any possible danger.
Half-chance for the home side as Omar Ramos is first to react following a Sastre corner, but he can only clip his effort high and wide of the crossbar. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Lacen finds Lafita before sliding a pass towards Castro, but once more Marino is out to clear. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock at the Jose Zorrilla.
Plenty of attacking intent from both sides in the early stages of this La Liga encounter, but neither team has been able to find that bit of magic in the final third. Valladolid have just started to enjoy more of the possession with Omar and Oscar both involved outside the box, but Guerra has been caught offside a couple of times thus far.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - could be vital. The crowd could turn against the home side if they concede, but a goal for Valladolid would make it really difficult for Getafe to turn it around. That said, neither side has been able to test the opposing goalkeeper thus far.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match for the home side as Rukavina drives into the Getafe box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but it deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards Guerra, but he heads over the crossbar from close range. The home side should be ahead there is no question about that.
Getafe force a half-chance down the other end as Castro collects possession in a wide area before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Adrian cannot make contact under pressure from Pena. Both sides are certainly demonstrating their intentions this evening.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession. The first is cleared by Rafa, before Omar's shot just moves wide of the post. A breakdown in the Valladolid midfield allows Lacen to lead a counter moments later, but he cannot find Castro with a threaded pass. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock, but both sides are certainly attempting to make something happen.
Half-chance for Getafe this time as Colunga collects a pass from Lacen before bursting into the Valladolid box, but he can only plant his effort high and wide of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the away side's best chance this evening could come on the counter. Valladolid are not exactly blessed with pace in the middle of their defence.
Another half-chance for the away side as Lafita collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Rukavina again threatens down the other end moments later with a low cross into the box, but Alexis manages to scramble clear. It really has been an end-to-end 22 minutes of football at the Jose Zorrilla.
Valladolid have just started to take control of the possession in the last few moments with Alvaro Rubio and Oscar Gonzalez enjoying more advanced positions. A half-chance arrives as Bergdich meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Getafe as an attacking threat in the last few moments.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest free kick allows Castro the chance to deliver a dangerous cross into the Valladolid box, but Valiente is on hand to clear the danger, before Valera fires a cross into the arms of the home side's goalkeeper.
Guerra remains the main target for the home side as he comes close to collecting a through pass from Omar, but the Spaniard just cannot make the extra yard. Getafe demonstrate their attacking invention moments later as Lafita plays a searching pass towards Lacen, but once more the danger is cleared. Still goalless with 28 minutes on the clock.
The challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park with Bergdich and Pena just about shading the battle. A bursting run from Rueda moments later creates a half-chance for Sastre, but the Spaniard cannot collect under pressure from Alexis. Plenty of slick passing on display from both sides, but neither has been able to find that final pass thus far.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to take the lead as Omar finds Guerra inside the box, but somehow Moya is across to make a sensational save. The Spaniard simply had to find the back of the net. Another half-chance comes from the resulting corner, but Pena heads high and wide of the target.
Good grief Guerra could have had a hat trick for the home side in this first period. As we saw with the Celta Vigo vs. Granada match earlier this evening, if you do not take your chances, it will come back to haunt you. The home side continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the half, but another opportunity goes to waste as Rukavina fires a cross into the arms of Moya.
It's really good work from Adrian as the Getafe forward collects possession just outside the Valladolid box before finding the run of Lafita, but the Spaniard cannot fashion an opportunity under pressure from Rukavina. Valladolid have had the better chances, but Getafe are certainly showing their threat on the counter.
Slight problem for Sastre as the Valladolid midfielder hits the deck following a challenge with Rafa, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue following a period of treatment. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides still struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Valladolid have had around 60% of the possession in this first period, while they have had the outstanding chance of the match through Guerra, but the Spaniard was denied by a fine save from Moya. Just a reminder that the home side are looking for their first point of the season after losing both of their league games to date. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
Bergdich is next to come close for the home side as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it just moved wide of the post. I suspect that Getafe will be pleased to hear the half-time whistle as they continue to come under increasing pressure in the final minute of the half.
HALF TIME: Valladolid 0-0 Getafe
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. The home side have certainly enjoyed more of the possession and indeed the better of the chances, but have been unable to make their pressure count. Getafe will surely have to offer more in the second period if they are to get something from the game.
STATISTICS: Valladolid have had more of the possession with 60%, while they have had eight attempts to Getafe's five. It might sound close, but the away side have not managed to test the goalkeeper thus far. The outstanding chance of the match fell to Guerra, but he was denied by a fine save from Moya.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have got a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of former Manchester United striker Manucho, Gilberto Garcia and Osorio. Getafe also have attacking personnel on the bench with the likes of Alvaro Vasquez, Michel and Miku all in reserve. I suspect that we will see some changes as the second period advances.
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 a surprise at this point of the match. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Osasuna against Villarreal, be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second period underway.
You just get the feeling that this could be the type of game that is decided by the odd goal. Neither side has been particularly impressive in attack in the early stages of the season, but Valladolid have looked the more likely in this one. It must be said that the home supporters have been in good voice from the very first moment this evening.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-0 Getafe (Valiente)
The home side take the lead in the early stages of the second period as Valiente meets a loose ball inside the box before turning his header into the back of the net. Poor defending from Getafe it must be said, but the Spanish defender was brave inside the box.
It is difficult to argue that the home side do not deserve to be ahead at this stage of the match. They have created the best of the chances, but Getafe have been dangerous on the counter. The place is absolutely jumping at the moment with the Valladolid supporters sensing their first points of the new season.
One-way traffic since the goal with the likes of Omar and Guerra both causing problems with their movement outside the box. The latter has a half-chance as he comes deep to collect a pass from Rubio before curling one towards the bottom corner, but Moya is on hand to make the save. Getafe really need to settle or it would be two very quickly here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to make it 2-0 as Bergdich collects possession outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. That really would have put the pressure on Getafe, who simply have not been in the opposing half since conceding the opener. Valladolid sense blood here.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the away side to level the scores as Lafita beats the offside trap before advancing into the Valladolid box, but somehow he turns his effort wide of the post. End-to-end football with little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining at the Jose Zorrilla.
Suddenly Getafe have started to force the issue with Adrian and Lafita taking control of the possession. The latter has another effort from outside the box that moves just wide of the post, before Borja finds the stands moments later. You just get the feeling that Valladolid will need a second to be sure of the three points.
Rukavina continues to provide a threat down the right for the home side with his low crosses causing all sorts of problems, but Getafe manage to repel the danger. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Omar's corner is met by Alvaro Rubio, but Borja manages to clear at the vital moment. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Moments later, Getafe look to their bench for the first time this evening as Vasquez enters the field to replace Adrian, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period.
Valladolid have the ball in the back of the net for a second time as Oscar advances into the box before finding the bottom corner, but the offside flag is raised. Replays have shown that the Spaniard had been level with the final defender. That is tough on the home side, who should be out of sight with little under 25 minutes remaining.
Lafita continues to look the most likely for the away side as he drives to the edge of the box before finding Vasquez, but he can only scoop his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. I would be surprised if this match does not produce at least a couple of golden chances in the latter stages.
Getafe were lucky to pick a point against Almeria last weekend and they look as if they are heading for another poor result this evening. It is difficult to imagine that they will be in trouble come the end of the season, but they do need to start picking up some points. That said, I am writing them off too early here. There is enough time for them to turn things around.
Another half-chance for Guerra as the Valladolid striker drives into the box before attempting to curl an effort into the bottom corner, but Moya is across to make a fine save. A deep defensive line presents another chance to Moya, but once more Moya wins the personal battle with a fine save.
Getafe look to their bench for the second time this evening as Sarabia replaces Lacen, who has struggled since the break. Will Valladolid be made to pay for missing chance after chance? It happened to Celta Vigo earlier with Granada levelling despite struggling for long periods of the match. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Getafe to level as Lafita is first to react following a Vasquez header, but somehow the Spaniard turns wide of the post when it looked easier to score. The pressure is just starting to grow with red shirts plentiful in the Valladolid half.
CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive at both ends. This time it comes to Bergdich as the Valladolid midfielder drives into the box, but he loses control at the vital moment, allowing Moya to clear. It proves to be his last involvement as the midfielder is replaced by Rama for the final 10 minutes or so.
Getafe make their third and final change of the evening as Mosquera replaces Rafa. Valladolid continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the box, but the away side are holding strong. They need a goal, however, with little over five minutes of normal time remaining. You can almost sense that something is going to happen in the latter stages.
It's wonderful feet from Omar as the Valladolid midfielder drives into the Getafe box before turning three defenders inside out, but he can only fire into the side netting moments later. Getafe are down the other end moments later with Vasquez, but the striker is left too isolated. End-to-end football at the Jose Zorrilla.
Valladolid make another change as Omar Ramos is replaced by Garcia for the final few moments. Can the home side hold on? It would be a big three points in the context of their season there is no question about that. Getafe, however, would be left with just the single point after three games. Is there one last big opportunity left in this one?
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for the home side to put this game beyond doubt as Garcia meets a cross from Rubio, but his header is straight into the arms of their goalkeeper. Valladolid make their third and final change moments later as Manucho enters the field in place of Guerra.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the home side comfortable in possession of the ball. Meanwhile, Manucho has provided Valladolid with a real presence in the final third, which is allowing them to pump it forward to relieve the pressure. We are into the second of three additional minutes.
FULL TIME: Valladolid 1-0 Getafe
So there we have it. Valladolid pick up all three points courtesy of a header from Valiente in the early stages of the second period. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Osasuna against Villarreal. Until then!
