First Division - Day 16

Real Sociedad 1 - Getafe 1

Real Sociedad: Riesgo; Zubiaurre, Luiz Alberto, Labaka, Garrido; Aranburu, Alkiza (Mikel Alonso 60'); Xabi Prieto, Nihat (Alberto 79'), Gabilondo (Uranga 75'); Kovacevic. 4-2-3-1.
Getafe: Sánchez Broto; Pulido (Pachón 75'), Belenguer, Nano, Pernía; Gallardo (Mario Cotelo 68'), Diego Rivas, Gabi, Vivar Dorado; Craioveanu (Michel 88'), Riki. 4-4-2.

Team changes: Real Sociedad: No change / Getafe: Pulido, Gallardo, Craioveanu for Vitali, Pachón, Yordi.

Goals:
1-0. 70. Nihat. First time shot low past keeper after Xavi Prieto crossed in.
1-1. 80. Pernía (penalty). After Riesgo tripped Pachón as he advanced on goal.

Real Sociedad were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by a battling Getafe, putting the breakers on a run which has seen them undefeated (seven remaining minutes at Real Madrid permitting) for the last four games. It was a rainy night in San Sebastian, and there was not a lot to talk about in the first half other than saves by Riego and Sánchez Broto from Craioveanu and Nihat respectively.

Real thought they had scored early in the second half when Pulido turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Kovacevic, but after consulting with his linesman, referee Mejuto González disallowed the goal for offside. Both keepers were in action again, Riesgo in particular making a spectacular double save from Craioveanu and Vivar Dorado. But with twenty minutes to go the hosts took the lead, Zubiaurre sending Xabi Prieto away down the wing for him to cross to Kovacevic. The Serbian striker could have scored himself, but he unselfishly passed to Nihat for him to stroke the ball past the keeper.

It seemed to be all over, but Quique Flores threw on an extra forward Pachón, and the striker was brought down by Riesgo as he advanced on goal. The keeper was sent off, and Pernía fired home the equaliser from the penalty spot after reserve keeper Alberto had come on for Nihat. After that it took some desperate defending to stop Getafe from stealing away the three points, but they at least came away with one which was enough to keep them out of the relegation zone, above Albacete and Málaga on goal difference.