A solitary Mario Mandzukic goal has proved enough for Atletico Madrid to secure a 1-0 away win at Getafe in this evening's La Liga game at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, the Colchoneros moving to within two points of leaders Barcelona and Sevilla.
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The game began in untidy fashion, with the first chance coming in the ninth minute when Juanfran's cross into the box was teed up by Mandzukic for Mario Suarez, but the shot flew wide of the target.
Moments later, Medhi Lacen met a loose ball on the edge of the Atletico box, but the Getafe man's effort also whistled wide of the post.
Both sides continued trading half-chances throughout most of the first half, with the hosts performing admirably against the Spanish champions.
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However, just when it seemed like it would be level at the break, Atletico broke the deadlock when Arda Turan's saved effort was met on the rebound by Mandzukic.
Getafe were quick out of the starting blocks in the second half, with Sergio Escudero and Angel Lafita forcing saves out of Miguel Moya in quick succession.
Alexis was then sent off for the home side after clashing with Mandzukic just before the hour, which prompted a scuffle on the pitch between the players.
Lafita then came close again for the hosts in the 65th minute when his effort was palmed away by Moya, with the game becoming increasingly scrappy and foul-laden.
For all of Getafe's endeavours, Diego Simeone's charges were able to repel the multitude of attacks that came their way and hold on for all three valuable points in the title race.
Giuseppe Labellarte
