Sunday's opening La Liga clash pitted Getafe against top-four hopefuls Real Sociedad in Madrid.
A double from Imanol Agirretxe moved Sociedad two goals ahead inside 16 minutes, but Ciprian Marica cut the score to 2-1 at the interval.
Getafe were level in the early stages of the second period when Pedro Leon converted from close range, but they were reduced to 10 men just past the hour when Borja received his second yellow card.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our La Liga coverage for the day opens from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Real Sociedad. Both sides were in Copa del Rey action during the week, but only one booked their spot in the quarter-finals. Getafe’s 2-0 loss at home to Barcelona saw them exit 6-0 on aggregate, but Sociedad beat Villarreal 1-0 at El Madrigal on Thursday evening.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Getafe have won two of the last five matches, with Sociedad also winning once and the further two fixtures ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-1 home win, but Sociedad were 2-0 winners on their own patch earlier in the campaign.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Rafa, Escudero, Lopez, Arroyo; Borja, Michel; Leon, Sarabia, Castro; Marica
SOCIEDAD: Bravo, C Martinez, Ansotegi, Mikel, Angel; Zurutuza, Bergara, Pardo; Agirretxe, Vela, Griezmann
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Getafe XI with Ciprian Marica returning to lead their line in place of Adrian Colunga. There are also starts for Pablo Sarabia and Diego Castro. Sociedad, meanwhile, recall Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann, but there is no Inigo Martinez, with Mikel Gonzalez starting alongside Ansotegi at centre-back.
Getafe’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday means that they have now lost their last five games in all competitions. What’s more, they have failed to score in their last four games, which is becoming a serious worry. They have collected 23 points from their 19 league games this season, with that total leaving them in 12th spot in the table.
Their home form in La Liga has been fairly patchy, however, with four wins, two draws and four defeats. They have won three times on the road, but also lost six times. In truth, if they did not have such a positive start to the season then they would be in real trouble at the moment. Another defeat this afternoon could see them drop closer to the relegation zone.
Goals have certainly been a problem for Getafe this season with just 20 in their 19 matches. That is in contrast to Sociedad, who have found the back of the net on 36 occasions. Down the other end, the home side have conceded 31 goals to Sociedad’s 28, with both just about average in relation to the rest of the league.
Sociedad lost 5-1 in the league against Villarreal last time out, but got their revenge on Thursday when they knocked the Yellow Submarine out of the Copa del Rey. The Basque outfit have won nine of their 19 league games this season, with a total of 32 points leaving them in sixth position and with their eyes firmly on the top four.
Much of their success in La Liga this season, however, has been built on strong home form. They have won six of their nine matches at San Sebastian, losing just once in the process. It has been a different story on the road, however, with three wins, three draws and four defeats. They will be keen to avenge some lost away points this afternoon.
PREDICTION: Getafe have really struggled in recent weeks, not just for points, but for performances. I expect Sociedad to score this afternoon, but I cannot see where a goal is coming from for Getafe. My score prediction is 2-0 Sociedad in the Spanish capital.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture. Sociedad get the match underway as morning becomes afternoon in the Spanish capital.
Not a full house inside the stadium - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. It will be interesting to see how both sides deal with the pitch, which has a lot of surface water following heavy rainfall in the Spanish capital. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match.
Neither side has been allowed to settle in the early exchanges with a series of late challenges interrupting the flow of the match. Sociedad have the chance to deliver a free kick through Pardo, but Borja is on hand to clear under pressure from Agirretxe, who once more leads the Sociedad line.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Sociedad (Agirretxe)
Well that didn't take long! Sociedad take the lead inside four minutes as Agirretxe meets a Vela cross before directing a terrific header into the bottom corner. That has silenced the stadium.
The home side attempt to respond immediately as Sarabia finds some space down the right before delivering a cross towards Castro, but the Spaniard cannot convert under pressure from Mikel Gonzalez. You just get the feeling that Getafe need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match.
Sociedad continue to look the more inventive in the final third with the likes of Pardo and Zurutuza enjoying possession of the ball. The latter attempts to slide a through pass towards Vela, but Rafa is across to clear the danger. Plenty happening in the Spanish capital with 10 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to level as Sarabia delivers a sensational cross towards Castro, but the striker cannot make proper contact under pressure from Angel. Sociedad come close to scoring their second moments later as Mikel meets a cross from Pardo, but Moya is on hand to make a wonderful save.
The free-kick count continues to rise as Castro fells Vela outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Griezmann and tapped home by Vela, but the Mexican is ruled offside. Getafe need to be really careful here as the pressure continues.
Better from Getafe in the last couple of moments with Sarabia and Castro both threatening in wide areas, but Bravo has been equal to the danger thus far. Sarabia is again involved moments later as he attempts to slide a low pass towards Marica, but Carlos Martinez manages to hook clear at the vital moment.
GOAL! Getafe 0-2 Sociedad (Agirretxe)
Sociedad have their second of the match and it comes from the same combination as the first as Vela sets up Agirretxe, who directs another header into the back of the net. Getafe are in real trouble on their own patch.
The home supporters are airing their displeasure at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. In fairness, Getafe's build-up play has been impressive, but it continues to break down in the final third. Another goal for Sociedad would surely end this contest, even at this stage of proceedings.
Just a reminder that Villarreal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are all in action later this afternoon/evening - be sure to remain with us for all the Spanish action. Getafe continue to pass and probe in Madrid, but they still cannot find that elusive touch in the final third.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Getafe have started to deliver dangerous balls into the Sociedad box. Getafe have not scored in their last four matches in all competitions. Surely that record will end this afternoon. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Getafe to cut the score to 2-1 as Sarabia drives into the Sociedad box, but his final touch is just too heavy, allowing Bravo to collect. Much better from the home side as the first period continues to gather pace.
Another half-chance for Sarabia as the Getafe midfielder finds some space on the edge of the box before striking one towards goal, but Bravo is on had to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered by Leon, but Jose Angel is on hand to clear.
GOAL! Getafe 1-2 Sociedad (Marica)
Getafe are back in this match with 15 minutes of the first period remaining as Marica collects a loose ball inside the box before rolling his effort into the bottom corner. Sociedad wanted offside, but the flag stayed down.
Getafe must be credited for their response this afternoon. It would have been easy to crumble at 2-0 down and having lost their last five matches, but they have now given themselves a real chance. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will surely be vital in terms of the final result.
Not too much from Sociedad in the last couple of minutes with Getafe dominating possession of the ball. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments, meanwhile, with late challenges arriving from both sides.
Another half-chance for the home side as Lopez strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Two corners in quick succession follow, but Mikel and Carlos Martinez take it in turns to clear the danger. One-way traffic with 36 minutes on the clock here.
Getafe want a penalty as Carlos Martinez appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was the correct decision. Sociedad just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues from a resurgent Getafe side.
CHANCE! Oh my word how has he missed?! Getafe come within an inch of levelling as Marica finds himself unmarked inside the Sociedad box, but his point-blank effort is saved by Bravo. It then rolls across the box, but the away side manage to clear. What a first half this has been.
Sociedad might have been 3-0 ahead in the opening 25 minutes of this match, but they are now holding onto a 2-1 lead. Getafe must be credited for their response. Castro drives down the left moments later before floating a cross towards Marica, but Mikel is on hand to clear the danger. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with a number of late challenges arriving from both sides. This first period has just flown past in Madrid.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Leon finds some space inside the Sociedad box before attempting to lift his effort over Bravo, but the Chilean is on hand to make a fine save. Does this first half have to end? Let's play through the interval.
HALF TIME: Getafe 1-2 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sociedad leading 2-1. A double from Agirretxe left the away side 2-0 ahead inside 16 minutes, but Getafe have been the better side since then, with Marica cutting the deficit to 2-1 after 28 minutes. It has been a pulsating first half in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had eight attempts - four of which have been on target - to Sociedad's three. There has been three yellow cards, meanwhile, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Mosquera, Adrian Colunga and Javi Navas. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Prieto, Seferovic and Castro in reserve. There are certainly goals on both benches this afternoon.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway. Can Getafe turn this one around?
One change for Getafe at the interval with Roberto Lago replacing Escudero, who has failed to recover from that head injury late in the first period. Sociedad, however, line up with the same XI for the second period. The rain continues to fall in the Spanish capital, which is allowing both sides to play their short, sharp football on the ground.
The free-kick count continues to rise as Rafa becomes the latest Getafe player to enter the book for a late challenge on Vela. The resulting free kick is delivered into the Getafe area by Pardo, but Lopez is on hand to clear the danger. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon.
Good pressure from Getafe in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Carlos Martinez and Mikel take it in turns to clear the danger. Not too much for the Sociedad supporters to get excited about in the early stages of the half.
CHANCE! The best chance of the second period falls to the home side as Arroyo meets a corner from Leon, but his header just drops wide of the post. Marica has an opportunity moments later, but fires high and wide of the crossbar from close range.
GOAL! Getafe 2-2 Sociedad (Leon)
Getafe are back on terms in this match as Leon thumps a wonderful volley into the bottom corner following a cross from Castro. Moments before, Borja had rattled the post, but the home side managed to keep the ball alive.
Wow, just wow. There were a couple of disappointing matches in La Liga last night, but this has just been sensational. Getafe hadn't won in their last five or scored in their last four entering this match, but they are on fire at the moment. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals.
Another half-chance for the home side as Marica finds some space inside the box before clipping his effort towards goal, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of this enthralling La Liga contest remaining.
Sociedad just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue. We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Sociedad just need to regain some sort of control in the middle of the park. It is one-way traffic with little over 30 minutes to play.
Sociedad do indeed make their first change of the match as Prieto replaces Griezmann, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. That change will bolster the away side's midfield. The referee has been called into action in the last couple of moments to deal with a number of late challenges.
Half-chance for Getafe as Castro finds some space outside the box before attempting to beat Bravo at his near post, but the Spaniard's effort smashes into the side netting.
RED CARD! Borja - Getafe
Getafe are reduced to 10 men here as Borja receives his second yellow card for a late challenge on Angel. This incredible match has taken another turn.
What on earth is going to happen next? This match has had everything. I backed a Sociedad win prior to kickoff and I am sticking with that now. Suddenly everyone in an orange shirt wants the ball as the away side attempt to make use of their man advantage.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. It has been a difficult match for the official due to the weather conditions. Little over 20 minutes remaining and the score is still level at 2-2. Is there to be a winner?
Really untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with handbags erupting all over the pitch. Castro takes a nasty one from Mikel, which is another flashpoint, but the referee takes no further action. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments.
Half-chance for the home side as Leon finds some space outside the Sociedad box before driving one towards the bottom corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Sociedad are down the other end with Vela moments later, but his cross is cleared by Rada. End-to-end football in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sociedad as Mikel meets a corner from Vela, but his header just drops wide of the far post. Agirretxe was in close proximity, but could not get a vital touch. Little over 15 minutes of this pulsating match remaining. Change for Getafe as Mosquera replaces Sarabia.
Vela wants a penalty as the Mexican falls inside the box under pressure from Lopez, but the referee is not interested. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Moments later, Sociedad make their second change with Elustondo replacing Bergara.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Marica carries possession into the Sociedad half, but Angel pulls the Romanian to the ground. The resulting free kick is delivered into the box by Leon, but Martinez is on hand to clear with a towering header.
Another half-chance for Agirretxe as the Sociedad forward meets a corner from Angel, but his effort just drops wide of the post. The clear opportunities have started to dry up with both sides wary of losing this match. In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either team this afternoon.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with neither side creating too much of note in the final third. It is almost as if a point has been accepted. Sociedad remain a threat on the counter, but Aggiretxe has faded after scoring twice in the first period.
Half-chance for Sociedad as Parso meets a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Moya. Sociedad again break forward with Elustondo, but he cannot find the run of Vela. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining in Madrid.
Untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Leon delivers another free kick into the Sociedad box moments later, but Mikel is on hand to clear the danger as we enter the final two minutes.
Getafe make their third and final change as Marica, who scored his side's first this afternoon, is replaced by Adrian Colunga. Is there to be one final chance in this match? I shouldn't think that there will be too much stoppage time at the end of the 90.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. Sociedad have possession, but they are not really forcing the issue. A point apiece looks likely in Madrid.
FULL TIME: Getafe 2-2 Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with the two sides level at 2-2. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again from 3.30pm for more La Liga football. Until then!
