Getafe secured a vital 2-0 victory against Alaves at the Estadio Mendizorrotza. Clinical finishing and strong defensive play earned the visitors three crucial points.
Before kick-off, Alaves sat comfortably in 10th place, enjoying decent home form. Getafe, however, languished in 17th, battling to escape the relegation zone after a string of inconsistent results. This fixture held significant weight for both sides in their La Liga campaigns.
The match began with a typical La Liga midfield battle, marked by early physicality. Getafe's Djene earned an early yellow card in the 9th minute for a clumsy challenge. Mauro Martin followed with another booking for Getafe just before the half-hour mark.
Alaves, backed by their home crowd, sought to control possession, registering 60% of the ball. Despite their dominance, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resilient Getafe defense. Getafe, pragmatic as ever, focused on containment and quick transitions.
An early substitution saw Getafe forced into a change in the 34th minute. M. Martin left the field, replaced by A. Abqar. The first half ended goalless, with neither side truly testing the opposing goalkeeper with conviction.
The break offered a chance for both managers to recalibrate their tactics. Alaves needed to convert their possession into more meaningful attacks. Getafe, conversely, looked to break the deadlock and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities.
Getafe started the second half with renewed purpose and intensity. Just four minutes in, Getafe's D. Duarte received a yellow card for rough play. The visitors’ persistence paid off soon after.
In the 53rd minute, Getafe found their breakthrough goal. Luis Vazquez drilled home the opening strike, converting a precise pass from Luis Milla. This goal decisively shifted the momentum firmly in Getafe's favor.
Alaves responded with a triple substitution in the 59th minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into their attack. However, Jonny Otto quickly picked up a yellow card for the hosts in the 60th minute. Despite the changes, Getafe remained composed and organized.
Getafe then doubled their lead in the 71st minute from the penalty spot. Jaime Iglesias confidently converted the penalty, giving his side a commanding two-goal advantage. Alaves continued to push but could not find a way past David Soria, who made four crucial saves.
Despite Alaves holding 60% possession and attempting 12 total shots (4 on target), their expected goals (xG) matched Getafe's at 1.85, highlighting the visitors' efficiency. Getafe managed 17 total shots, with 5 finding the target, underlining their offensive threat. Both teams committed 20 fouls.
This 2-0 away win provides Getafe with three crucial points in their fight against La Liga relegation. Alaves will need to reflect on their inability to convert possession into goals, as they remain in a comfortable mid-table position.
