With just two league games before the World Cup break, the week ahead appeared crucial for two clubs with their eyes fixed on top-flight survival, particularly the 19th-placed Pirates who have been far from swashbuckling recently, despite steadying the ship with a memorable 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid last time out. They attempted to put their hosts to the sword early on at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez though as Rubén Sobrino nodded just wide of goal when found six yards out.
The visitors saw the best of the early exchanges under the Madrid sun and looked relatively comfortable, but Juan Iglesias warned them away from complacency as he headed narrowly over the bar. This spurred the Azulones into a short flurry of activity which culminated in Luis Hernández’s goal-line clearance from another header, this time from Carles Aleñá. A cagey contest looked every bit of the vital relegation six-pointer it could turn out to be as HT approached, with both sides appearing content to simply soak up any pressure.
In typical footballing fashion, there was a notable boost in tempo after the break, especially in the Getafe ranks as they drove forward looking to make the most of the home crowd who had increased their own activity. The second-leakiest defence in La Liga never looked too uncomfortable however, and the contest experienced a 20-minute lull with a goalless stalemate appearing a certainty, despite cries from the home faithful.
Cádiz boss Sergio González, whose side had conceded goals after the 85th minute in consecutive La Liga contests, implored for concentration in his defensive ranks. The Pirates obeyed and even nearly found a late winner through Lucas Pérez’s well-struck volley, which was superbly kept out by David Soria. The final minutes bore witness to the most drama with a total of three sendings off, two for the hosts, before Enes Ünal smashed the post with the last kick of the game as the game ended all square.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luis Hernández (Cádiz)
