Getafe have moved 10 points clear of the La Liga relegation zone courtesy of a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero this evening.
The first shot on target arrived in the 10th minute as Garry Rodrigues curled a free kick towards goal, but Getafe keeper Vicente Guaita got down to make the stop.
The hosts then created the first clear opening of the match as Jonathas held off a number of challenges to work space for a shot, only to drag his subsequent effort tamely wide of the target.
The visitors almost took advantage of that let-off just two minutes later when Fredy Hinestroza advanced down the left flank before cutting inside and drawing a save out of Przemyslaw Tyton.
Rodriguez and Cristian Herrera then threatened for the hosts before Faycal Fajr came within inches of breaking the deadlock when his volley from the edge of the box smashed against the crossbar.
Fajr came close with another speculative effort shortly before half time, before turning provider to set up Domingo Cisma for a header that was tipped over shortly after the restart.
The goal finally came with just over five minutes left on the clock as Hinestroza nodded a Pedro Leon cross past the keeper to notch what proved to be the winner.
The visitors had two late chances to seal the points when Leon raced through on goal twice, but on each occasion he failed to add the finishing touch.
Those misses didn't prove to be costly, however, as Getafe held out for a win that leaves Elche just three points clear of the drop zone.
Barney Corkhill
