Sevilla welcomed Getafe to the Estadio Ramon on Sunday knowing that three points would move them into sixth position in the table.
The home side dominated proceedings in the first period and led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a smart finish from Vitolo.
It was 2-0 after 55 minutes when Carlos Bacca converted from close range, before Ivan Rakitic scored a third in the latter stages.
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 Estadio Ramon as Sevilla welcome Getafe. Both of these sides have the top four firmly in their sights in the second half of the season, but the home team enter the match in the stronger form. The race for European places is sure to hot up over the next couple of months.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of their last five, with the further fixture ending in a draw. Recent matches have certainly favoured the home side with both of Getafe’s wins coming in Madrid and both of Sevilla’s coming in this stadium. Will that run come to an end this afternoon?
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Navarro, Fazio, Carrico, Coke; MBia, Rakitic; Reyes, Vitolo, Bacca; Gameiro
GETAFE: Moya; Alexis, Escudero, Lopez, Arroyo; Borja, Lafita, Leon, Castro, Mosquera; Adrian
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Sevilla XI this morning with Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro continuing in attack. Jose Antonio Reyes also starts, but Jairo Sampeiro is among the substitutes. Getafe boss Luis Garcia, meanwhile, recalls Adrian Colunga in place of Ciprian Marica. Mosquera and Lafita also come into the XI.
It would be fair to state that Sevilla struggled in the early part of the season as Unai Emery struggled to pick his best side, but results and performances have improved in the last couple of months. Europa League progression has been secured, while they now sit in seventh spot in La Liga, just three points behind fifth-place Real Sociedad.
They have won seven of their 17 matches, drawing five and losing five. They have not been beaten in the league since losing to Celta Vigo at the beginning of November, however, and were 2-1 winners on the road to fellow Champions League hopefuls Villarreal before the winter break. They are certainly the dark horses for the top four.
Defending has been a problem for Sevilla this season with 29 goals conceded in their 17 league matches, keeping just two clean sheets in the process. That is considerably more than the teams around them, but they have made up for it down the other end with 32 goals in the league, which is the fifth-best record in the division.
Getafe, meanwhile, currently sit in ninth position in the table. They have also won seven of their 17 matches, but have lost eight times. Victory this afternoon would not move them above Sevilla due to their inferior goal difference, but it would move them level on 26 points. They have won three times on the road this season, but lost five times in the process.
It did appear that Getafe were heading for a famous result in their last match before the winter break when they raced into a 2-0 lead against Barcelona. However, the league champions responded by scoring five times. This is the type of match that Getafe cannot afford to lose if they are to secure European football at the end of the season.
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 prediction. I am backing a comfortable 2-0 home win this afternoon. Right, Getafe get the action underway at the Estadio Ramon. Let's hope for goals.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon, which is not much of a surprise. It is a glorious day in Seville. All-action start from the home side with the likes of Rakitic and Vitolo seeing plenty of the ball. The former searches out Gameiro with a long pass, but Moya is out to collect.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Gameiro finds Vitolo at the far post with a wonderful cross, but his header is straight at Moya from close range. Terrific build-up from Sevilla with Rakitic and Bacca both involved in the passing sequence.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Reyes finds the head of Fazio inside the box, but somehow he plants his header over the crossbar. Getafe just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues.
It really has been an explosive start from the home wide, with Getafe unable to match the intensity in the opening eight minutes of football. Plenty happening in the middle of the park, meanwhile, as the challenges arrive from both sides. Bacca attempts to slide one towards Gameiro moments later, but Moya is out to collect.
CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive for the home side as Bacca finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. It would be no exaggeration to say that the home side could be 3-0 ahead inside 10 minutes here.
Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments with Sevilla continuing to dominate possession of the ball. Reyes is the main instigator for the home side, but the latest attack breaks down when the Spaniard is ruled offside.
Half-chance for Getafe as Leon meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting set piece is delivered by the former Real Madrid midfielder, but Bacca is on hand to clear, before Moya a long way to challenge Bacca following a swift counter attack.
The linesman's flag comes to the rescue of Getafe once more as Bacca advanced unmarked into the box, but the attack is cut short. Sevilla continue to work the ball from left to right with Rakitic the main instigator, but Getafe continue to repel the danger. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock at the Estadio Ramon.
Another half-chance for the home side as Vitolo finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. How on earth is this match still goalless?! You wonder whether Sevilla will be made to pay for these missed opportunities as Getafe grow into the contest.
POST! Another glorious chance for the home side as Gameiro latches onto a loose ball before advancing into the Getafe box, but his low effort smashes off the foot of the post. Seven shots in the first 18 minutes for the home side, but still Getafe survive.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Alexis and Lopez take it in turns to clear the danger. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Navarro strikes one on the volley, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still nothing from Getafe as an attacking threat.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments with Getafe attempting to break up play whenever possible. Another long-range effort comes from Coke, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still goalless after 25 minutes of La Liga football at the Estadio Ramon in Seville.
The atmosphere and tempo has just dropped in the last couple of moments with Getafe more in control than the previous 27 minutes. In truth, they could and probably should already be out of this match. Gameiro forces another corner moments later, but once more Getafe manage to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rakitic strikes one from outside the box, but Moya is fairly comfortable in making the save. Getafe are down the other end with Adrian moments later, but the Spaniard cannot escape the clutches of three defenders. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
It is almost like a training exercise for both of these teams at the moment as Sevilla continue to utterly dominate possession, but Getafe have tightened up after struggling in the early stages. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of contest.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Colunga finds some space inside the Sevilla box before attempting to find the top corner, but Beto is on hand to make the save. That is the first time that the Sevilla stopper has been called upon in the opening 34 minutes of football in Seville.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Getafe (Vitolo)
Finally Sevilla open the scoring as Vitolo finds the bottom corner after smart work from Bacca on the edge of the box. That has certainly changed the atmosphere inside the stadium.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Gameiro leads a two-on-one counter for Sevilla, but his final pass towards Bacca is extremely poor and Moya is on hand to clear the danger. A little bit more care from the Frenchman and that would have been 2-0 before the interval.
Opportunity for Getafe from a free kick as Rakitic fells Leon on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Escudero, but his effort smashes straight into the wall. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Estadio Ramon.
Escudero attempts to take matters into his own hands for the away side as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That has been the story of the half for Getafe - a couple of efforts from distance. Aside from that, they have really struggled against Sevilla.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period with Getafe enjoying more of the ball in the Sevilla half. In truth, they should already be out of this contest. As it stands, they are more than in the match at 1-0. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-0 Getafe
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sevilla leading courtesy of a strike from Vitolo 10 minutes before the interval. In truth, the home side have utterly dominated proceedings and should have already put this game to bed. Getafe, meanwhile, have really struggled to make their mark in Seville.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 62%, while they have had 11 attempts to Getafe's five. The away side have had their moments on the counter, but have too often picked the wrong ball. Just the one yellow card, meanwhile, in a half of few late challenges.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have been boosted by the return of Marko Marin to their bench, while they also have the likes of Jairo Samperio, Trochowski and Cristoforo in reserve. Getafe, meanwhile, also have attacking options in the shape of Pablo Sarabia, Marica and Gavilan.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Sevilla would move above Villarreal and into sixth position in the table. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that will not be the case if the score remains 1-0 in around 15 minutes time. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the contest. Getafe would find it difficult to respond from 2-0 behind.
Half-chance for Getafe as Alexis meets a long throw inside the Sevilla box, but his effort loops into the arms of Beto, who has had a very comfortable afternoon thus far. Not too much to report in terms of Sevilla pressure in the early stages of the half as Leon tests Beto from distance once more. Better from Getafe.
Half-chance for the home side as Navarro finds some space down the right before finding Reyes outside the box, but the former Spanish international just loses control at the vital moment. Chances have been at a premium in the early stages of the half, but Getafe are enjoying more of the ball. Even contest with 53 minutes on the clock at the Estadio Ramon.
Really scrappy match in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Getafe enjoy a period of possession outside the Sevilla box, but the move breaks down when Leon delivers straight into the arms of Beto, who releases Rakitic on the counter moments later.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Getafe (Bacca)
Sevilla score their second after 55 minutes as Bacca notches his ninth goal of the season from close range. It is a really smart finish from the classy forward. Getafe respond with a change as Sarabia replaces Castro, who has struggled this afternoon.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to cut the deficit to 2-1 as Colunga dances into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. Suddenly the match has opened up with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Bacca to make it 3-0 as the Sevilla striker is found by Rakitic inside the Getafe box, but he just overruns it at the vital moment. The home side should be out of sight here there is no question about that.
Leon remains the bright spark for Getafe, but he has had little support from those around him. The away side make their second change of the match moments later as Lacen replaces Mosquera, who appears to have a slight groin injury. Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining in Seville. The home side are heading for a comfortable three points.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The offside flag saves Getafe once more, however, as Rakitic finds Bacca in a one-on-one situation with Moya.
Rakitic continues to boss proceedings from the middle of the park as the Croatian finds the run of Bacca once more, but this time Lopez is across to clear the danger. Navarro is on the counter for the home side moments later, but Borja comes across to fell the Spaniard. Little over 20 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining in Seville.
Half-chance for the away side as Borja finds some space outside the Sevilla box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from the home side in the last couple of moments, but they are extremely comfortable. They might need another goal, however, to be certain of the three points.
Getafe make their third and final change of the afternoon as Ciprian Marica replaces Colunga, who has found it difficult to influence proceedings this afternoon. You just get the feeling that one goal for Getafe would change the atmosphere inside the stadium. This match is far from over at this stage of proceedings. Little under 20 minutes of football to play.
Sarabia takes matters into his own hands for the away side as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Sevilla make their first change of the match moments later as Marko Marin, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, replaces Reyes. Their second change immediately follows as Gameiro is replaced by Cristoforo.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sevilla more than happy to keep possession in the middle of the park. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Sevilla really is a wonderful club to represent when things are going well - and that is certainly the case at the moment.
The home side force the issue with a couple of corners in quick succession, but Carrico can only plant his header over the crossbar, before Lopez clears under pressure from Gameiro.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-0 Getafe (Rakitic)
Rakitic, who has been sensational this afternoon, scores Sevilla's third as he combines with Bacca before slotting a low effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the home side.
The fact that 3-0 does not flatter Sevilla is extremely worrying for Getafe. They have European hopes this season, but have been utterly outclassed this afternoon. It could yet get worse in the latter stages as the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball. Little under 10 minutes of the La Liga contest remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sevilla more than happy to keep possession in their own half. Bacca embarks on a mazy run moments later, but is chopped down by Leon in the middle of the park. Scrappy from the away side with 83 minutes on the clock.
Sevilla make their third and final change of the afternoon as Trochowski replaces MBia, who has been impressive in the middle of the park. The on-loan QPR midfielder receives a wonderful ovation as he leaves the field. The supporters can enjoy the final five minutes with all three points secure.
STAR MAN: Rakitic has been sensational this afternoon, but this award goes to Bacca, who has scored and registered two assists. What signing the striker has been. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining at the Estadio Ramon.
Half-chance for Getafe as Leon forces a free kick outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by the former Real Madrid midfielder, but his effort is just wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the Estadio Ramon. In truth, the match has sort of fizzled out.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Marin to make it 4-0 in the latter stages as the on-loan Chelsea midfielder advances into the Getafe box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That should be just about that.
FULL TIME: Sevilla 3-0 Getafe
So there we have it. Impressive from Sevilla as Unai Emery's side record a 3-0 win over Getafe to move into sixth spot in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again at 2.30pm for build-up of Barcelona against Elche, which is due to begin at 3pm. Until then!
