Getafe welcomed Almeria to the Spanish capital on Friday looking to record their first points of the league season.
Almeria led after 30 minutes courtesy of Rodri's third league goal of the season, but Getafe were level less than two minutes later courtesy of a header from Angel Lafita.
Almeria were not finished in the first period, with Fernando Soriano's strike leaving the newly-promoted side ahead at the interval.
Getafe did manage to secure a point in the latter stages, however, when Diego Castro converted from the penalty spot.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Matchday two of the La Liga campaign gets underway this evening as Getafe welcome newly-promoted Almeria to Madrid. As mentioned, both sides were defeated in their opening matches of the season last weekend, but Getafe will feel confident of returning to winning ways on their home patch.
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. Getafe were 2-0 winners the last time they welcomed Almeria to this stadium in May 2011, but Almeria did record back-to-back wins over Getafe in 2009. However, it would be fair to say that much has changed at both clubs since then.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Valera, Alexis, Rafa, Lago; Lafita, Borja, Lacen, Sarabia; Colunga, Castro
ALMERIA: Esteban; Dubarbier, Pellerano, Rafita, Trujillo; Soriano, Verza, Tebar, Vidal; Suso, Rodri
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Getafe XI this evening with Adrian Colunga joined by Diego Castro in the final third. There is also a spot for Borja alongside Angel Lafita in midfield. Almeria, meanwhile, stick with the same side that lost to Villarreal last Monday, meaning that on-loan Liverpool winger Suso will once more provide support to Rodri, who already has two league goals to his name.
It was another solid campaign for Getafe last season as the Madrid-based outfit secured a mid-table finish in Spain's leading division. They have kept the majority of their squad together this summer, which points to another comfortable season in La Liga. However, hopes of a top-eight finish could be just beyond them when taking into account the teams around them.
In truth, Getafe were not really in their opening fixture against a very good Sociedad team last weekend. It was a difficult trip to start the season, but how they perform this term is not going to be determined by their results away from home against the top four teams. If they can find some consistency on their own patch, then it will certainly stand them in good stead.
Almeria, meanwhile, secured their spot in La Liga this season after coming through the dreaded playoff system in the Segunda Division in the previous campaign. They finished bottom of this division in the 2010-2011 season, but will be hopeful of a better display this time around. They will be without the services of top scorer from last season Charles, however, who joined Celta Vigo this summer.
In many ways, it was the ideal match for them on the opening weekend of the season as they welcomed Villarreal. The first period went according to plan as a strike from Rodri left them ahead at the interval, but an own-goal from Sebastian Dubarbier levelled proceedings with little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Almeria did manage to regain the lead with Rodri’s second 15 minutes from time, but Villarreal were not finished as Giovani dos Santos found the back of the net after 84 minutes before Jonathan Pereira secured all three points two minutes later. It was nothing short of a disaster on the opening weekend, but they have the opportunity to respond in the Spanish capital this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players enter the pitch with little under two minutes until kickoff. Following the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Just about time for my pre-match prediction - I think it will be tight, but I am expecting Getafe to pick up all three points on their home patch.
Just a reminder that this is not the only La Liga fixture this evening with Athletic Bilbao welcoming Osasuna in the late start. Be sure to remain with us until the action concludes at around 11pm. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in the Spanish capital.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere with both sides well supported. It's a bright start from the away side as Suso collects possession outside the box before delivering a cross towards Verza, but Moya comes to collect. Lacen has a snap-shot down the other end moments later, but his effort is wide of the target.
Another half-chance for the home side as Colunga makes a smart run beyond the Almeria defence before collecting a pass from Leon, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Almeria have possession down the other end moments later with Rodri, but he is quickly surrounded by three blue shirts.
Lafita is next to come close for the home side as the midfielder meets a cross from Castro, but he can only volley high and wide of the crossbar from outside the box. Sarabia has a snap-shot moments later, but Esteban is on hand to make the save. Lively opening six minutes to proceedings in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Another good opportunity for Sarabia as the Getafe attacker beats the offside trap before attempting to find the bottom corner, but once more Esteban is across to make the save. You just get the feeling that Almeria need to stay in the match in the opening 20 minutes or so.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides continue to commit players to each attack. Almeria have a half-chance as Dubarbier strikes one from outside the box, but it deflects behind for a corner, which is played short before Soriano's cross is gathered by Moya. High-tempo opening 10 minutes of football.
Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock, but I would be surprised if it remained that way as the first period continues to gather pace. It's good work from Verza as the Almeria midfielder threads a low pass towards Suso, who cuts inside Rafa, but his cross is straight into the arms of Moya, who has been busier than expected in the early stages.
It's really good goalkeeping from Esteban as the Almeria stopper spots the danger from a through ball, with the Spaniard just able to clear under pressure from Castro. Getafe continue to put the pressure on their opponents with a couple of corners in quick succession, but the away side manage to quell the threat, for now.
Half-chance for the away side as Suso drives down the left before attempting to find the run of Rodri in the box, but Alexis just manages to clear at the vital moment. Colunga again attempts to break the offside trap down the other end, but he had moved one second too early. Still plenty of attacking intent, but neither side has been able to register the opening goal thus far.
CHANCE! It's really smart work from Valera as the right-back collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Getafe continue to look the most likely, but Almeria remain a threat on the counter.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. A half-chance does arrive for Rodri, but the Almeria striker can only fire wide of the post when he perhaps should have done better. Entertaining opening 22 minutes in the Spanish capital.
Sense of frustration from the home supporters in the last couple of moments with Castro and Colunga both caught offside in quick succession. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. It does appear that Getafe have been surprised by the away side's potency in the opening 24 minutes.
Half-chance for the home side as Sarabia stands over a free kick outside the box, he floats his cross towards Michel, but Esteban comes to claim under pressure from a number of blue shirts. Almeria have just started to enjoy more of the possession in the last few moments with Soriano and Verza both impressing.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Almeria as Suso collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. The on-loan Liverpool attacker has looked the most likely thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It is a case of you attack, we attack at the moment with neither side too concerned with keeping it tight. Suso is again the danger for Almeria as he fires a low cross towards Rodri, but Lacen is back to clear the danger. Lacen is involved down the other end moments later with a through pass towards Castro, but once more Pellerano has his number.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Almeria (Rodri)
First blood to Almeria! The away side take the lead against the run of play as Rodri collects a pass from Suso before thumping a powerful effort into the bottom corner. That is his third league goal of the season. Well, that has silenced the atmosphere inside the stadium.
GOAL! Getafe 1-1 Almeria (Lafita)
Well, that didn't last long did it? Getafe level the scores within two minutes as Lafita rises in the box before thumping a powerful header into the back of the net. Good grief this match has just exploded into life. We are all square with 33 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to arrive for the home side as Valera whips another dangerous cross into the box, but Rafita just manages to make the clearance when it appeared that Michel would have a free header on goal. A half-hearted penalty appeal occurs moments later as Lafita is felled in the box, but the referee is simply not interested.
There was a danger that these two sides could cancel each other out this evening. Well, it has been the total opposite. As mentioned, neither side is too concerned about defending at the moment, rather attempting to attack with numbers on every opportunity. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Getafe 1-2 Almeria (Soriano)
Almeria regain the lead! It's poor defending from the home side as Soriano is first to pounce in the box before finishing into the bottom corner after Moya had denied Suso. Can Getafe respond again with 38 minutes on the clock? What a half of football we have seen in Madrid.
Good pressure from Almeria in the last couple of moments with the away side forcing the issue with a couple of corners in quick succession, but the capital outfit manage to clear the danger. Slight side issue developing between Soriano and Alexis, meanwhile, with the opposing duo appearing to clash on each corner. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Soriano strikes an effort from outside the box, but Moya is on hand to make the save. It is reckless from Getafe, who continue to commit numbers forward, leaving their defence in trouble as a result. Almeria do not look like a side that have been tipped to finish bottom of the division this season.
However, Almeria were impressive in the first period against Villarreal last Monday, but were undone in the latter stages. As long as Getafe can remain in the match, then they will certainly feel confident of turning it around in the latter stages. Getafe in possession as we approach the final minute of the half.
HALF-TIME: Getafe 1-2 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading 2-1 at the interval. The away side had the lead after 30 minutes courtesy of a strike from Rodri, but Lafita levelled proceedings two minutes later. Almeria came again, however, with Soriano sending them into the lead.
STATISTICS: Almeria have dominated the possession with 57%, but both sides have had six attempts in what has been an entertaining first period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result. It would be difficult to see Getafe turning a 3-1 score around.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Alvaro, Pedro Leon and Michel. Meanwhile, Almeria have the likes of Oscar Diaz, Corona, Ruben Suarez and Young-Gyu Kim in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period gathers pace.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we will have live commentary from Athletic Bilbao against Osasuna, which is due to begin at 9pm. Be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second period underway.
Getafe really need to keep the supporters onside the early stages of the second period. Of course, the best way to do that would be to level the scores as soon as possible. Almeria have been tipped to finish bottom of the table this season, but they are not playing like it that is for certain. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes in the second period.
Good pressing from Almeria in the last couple of moments with Getafe forced into a couple of poor passes in the final third. In truth, they were not expected to beat Real Sociedad last week, but Getafe will be expected to pick up all three points this evening. Anything less than that would be a major disappointment that is for certain.
It's good work from Lago, who is making his debut for Getafe this evening, as the left-back collects a pass from Borja before delivering a low cross into the box, but Soriano is on hand to make the clearance. Suso threatens down the other end with a mazy run before sliding a low cross into the box, but Soriano can only clip his effort over the crossbar.
Again Suso is involved for Almeria as the on-loan Liverpool midfielder drives a dangerous cross towards Rodri, but Alexis just manages to clear at the vital moment. It falls to Soriano, who strikes towards goal, but it is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. Good pressure from the away side with 54 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Stunning technique from Verza as the Almeria midfielder strikes a volley from outside the box, but Moya makes a wonderful save to keep the score at 2-1. Moments later Getafe make their first change of the evening as Pedro Leon enters the field in place of Lacen.
CHANCE! This time the opportunity arrives for the home side as Sarabia drives into the box before testing the reactions of Esteban, it falls to Castro, but Rafita is across at the vital moment to clear the danger. It just isn't happening for the home side in the final third with little over 30 minutes remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Leon stands over a free kick outside the box, but he plants his set piece straight into the stands. That is poor for a player of his ability. Almeria led 2-1 in the latter stages of their clash with Villarreal last week, but ended up losing. Will they suffer the same fate this evening? It would be cruel, but that is football at this level.
It's really good work from Colunga as the Getafe forward collects possession down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but there are no takers at the far post. I suspect that we could see another change from the home side in the next five minutes or so. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in Madrid.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Rodri to score his second of the evening as the striker collects a pass from Suso before bursting into the box, but he cannot evade the challenge of Rafa. Getafe really are living dangerously here with the counter on at every opportunity for Almeria.
Another change for Getafe as Sarabia is replaced by Miku. Not the most popular decision in the stadium that is for certain. Almeria might look shaky in defence, but they remain a threat in the final third with the pace and invention of Suso and Rodri, with the latter again forcing a smart save from Moya.
Moya is again called into action as Suso settles on possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but the Getafe stopper makes the save. It is all one-way traffic at the moment, but not for the side that you would expect. Little over 20 minutes of the second period remaining. Can Almeria pick up their first three points of the season?
First change of the match for the away side as Ruben Suarez enters the field in place of Soriano, which is a surprise. However, it does appear that the midfielder might have picked up a knock as he trudges off the pitch. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Almeria are enjoying the majority of the possession.
Where is the response from Getafe? The answer is that there has not been one. The home supporters have called for new signings this summer and they have not arrived. Two defeats from two games will not ease the pressure on the manager there is no question about that. However, with more than 15 minutes remaining, there is time for that to change as we have seen all too often.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Almeria comfortable dealing with the Getafe pressure. Without sounding like a broken record, Almeria were 2-1 ahead at this stage of their match with Villarreal last week, but ended up losing. Surely that will play on their mind as we enter the final stages.
Half-chance for Vidal as the Almeria midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but once more Moya is on hand to make the save. Leon has the opportunity to fashion a chance down the other end as he stands over a free kick, but once more the delivery is poor.
It is all very laboured at the moment with Almeria comfortable in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that if we are to see a goal then it will come from a moment of brilliance or a mistake. On the balance of play, Almeria deserve to be leading there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Rodri collects a pass from Suso before flashing an attempt towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. That would have been game, set and match. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in the Spanish capital.
Almeria make their second change of the match as Tebar is replaced by the experienced midfielder Corona, who has surely been introduced to settle it down as we approach the final five minutes of football. At the moment, Almeria are comfortably moving towards three points, which does seem an incredible situation.
PENALTY TO GETAFE!
Getafe are awarded a penalty after 83 minutes as Lafita is fouled inside the box by Rafita. It was harsh, but he gave the referee a decision to make. What an opportunity to level the scores. It is happening again for Almeria?
GOAL! Getafe 2-2 Almeria (Castro)
Indeed the home side do level the scores as Castro strikes his penalty into the bottom corner having been forced to retake it. You cannot say it has been deserved, but Almeria are finding out about football at this level. Could they be heading for another defeat in the final five minutes of a football match?
Suddenly it is all one-way traffic with the home side forcing the issue in the final third. A half-chance arrives for Adrian as the Spaniard meets a cross from Lafita, but his effort is wide of the post. It is a case of backs against the wall now. Little under five minutes remaining.
If you had offered Almeria a point before kickoff, then they would have taken it there is no question about that. But it is difficult to take from a position of such dominance. Getafe continue to force the issue with a number of bodies in the final third, but they just cannot find that elusive pass.
The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Will we have a winner? Suso attempts to force the issue for Almeria as he drives into the box before finding the run of Rodri, but Alexis manages to quell the danger. That is just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Getafe 2-2 Almeria
So there we have it. A late penalty from Castro secures a share of the spoils in Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Osasuna. Until then!
