Getafe: Guaita; Valera (Naldo 43‘), Velázquez, Alexis, Escudero; Juan Rodríguez, Lacen; Yoda, Sammir (Babá 66’), Hinestroza (Sarabia 77‘); Lafita. 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Moyá; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Siqueira; Mario Suárez, Koke; Arda Turan, Raúl García, Griezmann (Cerci 66‘); Mandzukic (Saúl Ñíguez 83‘). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 40. Mandzukic. From close to goal after Koke corner played back in to area.
Yellow cards: Mandzukic 52’, Miranda 57’, Lafita 68’, Velázquez 71’, Siq ueira 83’, Sarabia 90’ / red cards: Alexis 56’.
Atlético Madrid followed up their midweek Champions League win with a 0-1 victory against city rivals Getafe, and although they remain in fifth spot, they are only two points behind joint leaders Barcelona and Sevilla in the table. With all above them but Barcelona winning their games, Simeone’s side needed the three points, and Guaita had to make important saves from Griezmann, Siqueira and Raúl García before the break. Lacen shot wide in reply, but with five minutes to go to half time Koke’s corner came out to Griezmann whose shot was blocked by the keeper, and although Turan scuffed his shot on the rebound, Mandzukic was on hand to turn the deflection in to the net. Moyà had to keep out a deflection from his own player as well as efforts by Alexis and Velázquez after the break, but soon afterwards Alexis was sent off for punching Mandzukic from behind as tempers started to fray in what was becoming a very physical match. Even so though Moyà was in action again to save from an inswinging Sammir corner and from another shot by Lafita, and Atleti were grateful when the final whistle went a few minutes later.