Deportivo La Coruna travelled to Getafe on Saturday knowing that three points would move them off the bottom of the table.
They made the best possible start as Pizzi sent them into a 12th-minute lead from the spot, but Diego Castro dispatched a penalty for Getafe to level after 25 minutes.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but it was Getafe that scored late on through Alvaro and Adrian Colunga to wrap up the points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our opening La Liga commentary of the day comes from Madrid as Getafe welcome basement outfit Deportivo. The home side have been on a horrendous run of form in recent weeks, but their early success has meant that they are not yet in relegation trouble. The same cannot be said for Deportivo, who currently sit rock bottom of the table.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Getafe have just about shaded the last five matches with two wins to Deportivo’s one. As mentioned, the reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Deportivo have not beaten their opponents this evening since November 2009, when they picked up a 2-0 win.
Let’s take a closer look at how both sides have fared in the league this season, starting with Getafe. They currently sit in 12th position in the table with 26 points from their 21 matches, but they have taken just three points from their last six league games. Last time out they were thumped 4-0 by Real Madrid, but in truth it could have been more.
They have conceded 35 goals in the league this season, while they have scored 25. To put that into context with the rest of the division, Malaga have the best defensive record with 19 goals conceded, while Barcelona have the best scoring numbers with an incredible 71 strikes. But for Getafe’s form earlier in the season, then they would now be in serious trouble at this stage of the season.
Deportivo, meanwhile, currently sit bottom of the table with just 16 points from their 21 matches. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they have conceded the highest number of goals with 45, which works out to just over two goals per game. They have fared slightly better down the other end, however, with 26 goals. It is obvious to see where they have struggled this season.
However, Depor’s performance last time out will certainly have given them confidence. They led 2-1 against Valencia, but could not hold on as they conceded twice in the second period to lose 3-2. Their recent form is a worry, however, with defeats against fellow strugglers Espanyol and Osasuna in the last month or so. Right, the confirmed team news for the match is just filtering through.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Alexis, Rafa, Escudero; Borja, Gavilan, Castro, Torres; Barrada, Adrian
DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Ze Castro, Kaka, Pablo, Evaldo; Vasquez, Aguilar, Bergantinos, Riki; Gama; Pizzi,
So there we have it. Arguably Getafe's strongest available side as they name Gavilan, Diego Castro and Adrian Colunga in their attack. Meanwhile, Deportivo keep faith with a forward three of Riki, Bruno Gama and Pizzi. Based on the personnel on display, it does appear that neither side will be settling for a point this evening.
Getafe’s home form has not been too impressive this season with four wins, three draws and three defeats from their 10 matches, but most of their victories came in the early stages of the season. Deportivo’s away form is a serious worry as they enter this match, however, with six defeats and five draws form their 11 matches. Meanwhile, they have conceded 29 goals during that period on the road.
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. Getafe have been poor in recent weeks, but I am backing them to shade a narrow result this evening. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety.
Today's referee is Jose Paradas. Let's hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of the 90 minutes. Meanwhile, it would be nice to keep all 22 players on the pitch following the influx of red cards this season. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.
Strong start from the home side as Gavilan collects possession in midfield before looking for the run of Xavi Torres, but Ze Castro is across to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Barrada dances past two challenges before releasing a strike on goal, but Evaldo comes across to make a fine block.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere. Getafe really have been on a torrid run of form in recent weeks, but will see this match as the perfect chance to secure three much-needed points. Not too much to report in the opening four minutes, however, with Getafe enjoying possession of the ball in the opposing half.
Half-chance for the home side as Adrian Colunga darts past two defenders before drilling a low cross into the box, but Kaka is across to make a fine clearance. That isn't the Real Madrid Kaka for anyone that is wondering! You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will be key in terms of the final result.
Deportivo have a half-chance of their own as Borja fells Pizzi just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by the Portuguese striker, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Set pieces will surely play a part in this match. Fairly low-key start to the match thus far with neither side really in control of proceedings.
Another half-chance for the home side as a high cross causes problems in the Deportivo penalty area. It eventually falls to Castro just outside the box, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Deportivo attempt to break down the other end with Bruno Gama, but Rafa is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
PENALTY AND A RED CARD: Oh my word! Incredible scenes here as Riki picks up possession before rounding Moya. The Getafe goalkeeper brings the striker to the ground and the referee awards a spot kick. However, it gets worse as the Spanish stopper is sent from the field. What a moment in this match.
The home side are forced into the change with Gavilan coming off to allow Codina to replace Moya between the sticks. It appears that the resulting penalty will be taken by Pizzi. This is a big moment in terms of their season.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Deportivo (Pizzi)
Indeed Pizzi does take the penalty as he fires his effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful precision from the striker. Deportivo lead with 13 minutes on the clock. It was perhaps a harsh decision to send Moya from the field, but the referee did not have a choice due to the nature of the challenge.
It is an old cliché, but goals certainly change games. Deportivo were not really in the match in the opening stages, but since taking the lead they have simply dominated possession. Getafe really need to be careful here as Borja dives into another dangerous challenge. The last time they need is to be down to nine men before this match has even really started.
Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as the Deportivo supporters create a wonderful atmosphere. Getafe defender Sergio Escudero appears to have a problem here, meanwhile, and it does seem unlikely that he will be able to continue. Not the best of starts from the home side with 17 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in the last few minutes with Deportivo enjoying the majority of the possession in the opposing half. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match could really have an effect on the final score. Remember, Getafe have taken just three points from their last six matches. They have not been playing well of late, it is as simple as that.
Half-chance for the home side as Colunga collects possession outside the box before turning and curling an effort towards the top corner, but it takes a deflection before moving behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Barrada, but Kaka rises highest to clear the danger. Strong defending from Deportivo thus far.
It's handbags again between the two teams as Aguilar takes exception to a late challenge from Torres, collecting a yellow card in the process. In fairness it has not been that type of match, but Getafe's frustration is there for all to see. We are just about at the midpoint of the first period and Deportivo lead courtesy of that Pizzi penalty.
Half-chance for the away side as Pizzi collects possession outside the box before finding Gama, but Rafa is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Riki, but it is too deep for Evaldo and Codina is out to collect at the vital moment.
PENALTY TO GETAFE: The home side are awarded a penalty as Barrada is felled in the penalty area by Evaldo. The home supporters want a red card, but the referee shows a yellow to the Brazilian. What a chance for the home side to level with 25 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Getafe 1-1 Deportivo (Castro)
The home side do indeed level proceedings as Castro steps up to slot his effort into the bottom corner. Well, it has been some 25 minutes in this fairly low-key La Liga match. Two goals, two penalties and a red card. What will come in the latter stages?!
Despite the leveller, Deportivo still have the man advantage and have made that count in the last couple of minutes as they continue to dominate possession in the final third. Again Pizzi is involved as he strikes a free kick from a wide position, but it just moved high of the crossbar. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few moments with neither side taking too much control in possession of the ball. The home side attempt to fashion a chance as Castro plays a low pass behind the Deportivo defence, but Aranzubia is out to collect at the vital moment.
Again it's good football from Deportivo as they work the ball from left to right before Gama whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Alexis is on hand to clear. The home side break forward with Torres, but he is stopped in his tracks by Pablo.
Another half-chance for the away side as Pizzi floats a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Codina comes a long way to collect the danger. The stand-in goalkeeper attempts to find Castro on the break, but the Spaniard just cannot sort out his feet with Ze Castro on hand to secure possession for the away side.
The referee continues to issue cards as Vasquez is the latest player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Barrada. I said at the beginning I hoped we could keep 22 players on the field, now it is 21, but I can easily see another dismissal coming in the second period. Little over 10 minutes of the first period to play and the score remains level at 1-1.
Deportivo again look to attack through Gama as the Portuguese collects possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Alexis is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Although both teams have had decent periods with the ball, clear chances have certainly been at a premium, with both goals coming from the spot.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Colunga drives into the penalty area before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Another similar chance arrives moments later, but this time the offside flag is raised.
Little over three minutes of the first period remaining, with neither side in control as things stand. Deportivo have been the better side on the ball, but have thus far been unable to get Riki into the match. Castro has been the main threat for the home side, but both defences have performed well in the opening 42 minutes of action.
Again it's good work from the away side as Pizzi combines with Riki in the penalty area before striking an effort towards goal, but it just moves wide of the post. A similar situation arrives moments later, but Alexis is across to clear for a corner. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football at the end of the half.
Deportivo end the half on the front foot as Gama drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Alexis is once more across to clear the danger. Getafe attempt to attack on the break, but the referee brings play to a stop. Little over 30 seconds of the half remaining.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 1-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Deportivo took the lead from the penalty spot early on, but Getafe levelled with a Castro penalty after 25 minutes. The home side are also down to 10 men having lost goalkeeper Moya in the early stages.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of the match. Deportivo have dominated the possession with 64%, but both teams have had four attempts. There is no question that Deportivo have been the better side, but that strike from Castro has allowed Getafe a route back into this match.
Let's take a look at both benches for this evening. The home side still have two changes should they so wish, with the likes of Paco Alcacer and Pablo Sarabia in their squad. Deportivo are have options on the bench, meanwhile, with Valeron and Nelson Oliveira. Both managers could influence proceedings from the sidelines.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening. Following the completion of this match we have action from Espanyol against Levante, then it is Real Madrid's turn as they travel to Granada in the 9pm start. Be sure to remain with us for the action and you will not miss a kick.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the half for the away side as Camunas replaces Vasquez. A reminder that three points for Deportivo would move them off the bottom of the table, while Getafe would also rise with the win. Here we go then.
Strong start to the second period from the home side with Torres and Borja joining the attack. The former finds the run of Barrada before collecting once more, but Ze Castro is across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, another attack breaks down moments later as Borja overruns down the left.
It's Deportivo's turn to attack as Riki collects possession outside the box before firing a low pass towards Gama, but the forward just cannot collect and it moves out for a goal kick. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will have a huge say on the final result, just as Riki fires another effort wide.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither team taking too much care in possession of the ball. A slight opportunity does arrive as Barrada looks for the run of Colunga behind the Deportivo defence, but Aranzubia is quick off his line to clear for a throw. It remains 1-1 with seven minutes of the half played.
The home side want a penalty as Torres is bundles over in the penalty area by Evaldo, but the referee shakes his head. The Deportivo defender just needs to be slightly careful having picked up a yellow card in the first period. Meanwhile, the cards continue to flow as Castro becomes the latest player to have his name taken.
Decent spell of possession for the away side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession. But neither comes close to adding to their tally. It would be fair to state that clear chances in this match have been very much at a premium. Just about 35 minutes of football remaining and the yellow cards continue to flow, with Camunas joining the long list of players in the referee's book.
A half-chance comes for the home side as Alexis meets a cross from Castro, but he can only head wide of the target form close range. The pressure continues as Barrada dances around two defenders before striking towards goal, but he fires his effort wide of the target.
Meanwhile, the away side make another change as Alex Bergantinos is replaced by Valeron. The experienced Spaniard will provide some much-needed guile in the latter stages of this match. Getafe create a half-chance once more as Torres drives into the box, but Aranzubia is out to collect at the vital moment.
The home side continue to look the side more likely to move into the lead as Barrada finds Colunga in the box, but Evaldo is across to clear the danger. The resulting corner is taken by Escudero, but Aranzubia punches clear. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.
Deportivo create an opportunity of their own as Riki combines with Gama just outside the penalty area before attempting to find Pizzi in the box, but Rafa is across at the vital moment to clear the danger. Another chance arrives down the other end for Colunga, but Aranzubia is once more on hand to collect. Will we have a winner here? Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession. Deportivo threaten with a series of corners in quick succession, but Getafe clear the danger with relative ease. Castro attempts to break down the other end, but Riki comes across to make what some would call a calculated foul.
Pizzi continues to look the most likely for the away side as he fires a high cross into the box, but the danger is headed clear by a combination of two defenders. The end-to-end period of the match continues as the home side advance down the other end, but Castro once more fires wide from close range.
Valera appears to have a problem here as he hits the ground clutching his knee. The stretcher comes onto the field and it does appear unlikely that he will be able to continue. The change is indeed made as Fede comes on the final 20 or so minutes. Deportivo have not really made their man advantage count in this half.
RED CARD: The numbers are evened up here as Aguilar is sent from the field for a dangerous challenge on Borja. What a ridiculous challenge to make. The influx of red cards in Spain has continued in this match. It does appear to be a likely occurrence in each La Liga clash these days.
The home side continue to pen Deportivo into their own half with a series of high balls into the penalty area, but once more it comes to nothing. Castro threatens moments later as he dances to the edge of the box before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but it moves wide of the target.
Meanwhile, the away side make another change as Camunas - who himself had entered the field at the break - is replaced by Andre Santos. Needs must with little under 15 minutes of football remaining. It is 10 versus 10 here. Will we have a winner in the latter stages?
Not too much to report in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. On the face of it, a point apiece would not be the worse result for either side this evening. However, it would be a point dropped for Getafe. A half-chance arrives for the away side as Riki meets a cross, but he can only turn wide of the post.
Meanwhile, Getafe make a change of their own as Borja is replaced by Alvaro. Can the Spaniard influence proceedings in the final 10 minutes of this match? Deportivo have just taken control of the possession in the last few minutes, but have thus far been unable to create a real opening in this second period. However, you get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.
GOAL! Getafe 2-1 Deportivo (Alvaro)
Wow! Getafe take the lead with eight minutes to play as Alvaro picks up possession outside the box before thumping a powerful effort into the bottom corner. It was going to take something like that to win this match. Stunning effort from the Spaniard.
Deportivo attempt to respond down the other end as Riki collects possession from Gama before striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Ze Castro drives into the penalty area, but Alexis is across to clear.
GOAL! Getafe 3-1 Deportivo (Colunga)
The home side have their third of the match as Colunga collects possession in the box before turning and firing a powerful effort into the bottom corner. Stunning end to this match. Deportivo have just collapsed.
Deportivo attempt to respond down the other end as they attack with pace and numbers, but once more the danger is cleared with relative ease. The home side threaten moments later, but the flag is raised at the vital moment with Colunga going in search of his second.
Again the away side come close as Kaka comes forward from defence before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the target. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to make it four as Castro collects a low pass in the box before turning his effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Little over one minute of football remaining and Getafe have possession in the opposing half.
FULL-TIME: Getafe 3-1 Deportivo La Coruna
So there we have it. Getafe score twice in the final 10 minutes to pick up a 3-1 win over Deportivo, who remain bottom. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for Espanyol against Levante. Until then!
