A hard-fought point in Getafe
A hard-fought point in Getafe
The Lions keep moving forward after Villalibre’s goal is cancelled out by Ángel’s equaliser at the Coliseum
Getafe managed to snatch victory out of Athletic Club’s hands in the last quarter of the match, when Ángel punished the lions in a counter-attack.
Athletic had gone into the break with a well-earned and well-defended lead after Asier Villalibre got his first goal of the season with a header in the 9th minute. There were chances to make it 0-2, with intelligent and flowing play, but winning at the Coliseum is never easy and José Bordalás’ team grew after the break.
Gaizka Garitano named the same starting XI that thrashed Betis earlier this week. And it seemed as though Unai Vencedor and Mikel Vesga had been midfield partners for their entire lives. They were decisive and synced well.
After Jaime Mata gave the lions a scare, Vesga had the first of two early chances born out of connecting with Iñaki Williams
The opener came in the 9th minute. Villalibre rose above his defender and headed Alex Berenguer’s pinpoint corner into the net.
Athletic went close again around the hour mark. Great play between Ander Capa and Williams saw the winger find Vesga on the edge of the box. The centre-mid rifled a low shot, but it was saved by David Soria.
With the exception of a Cucho shot Simon kept out with his feet, Athletic mostly dominated the first half. A few minutes later centre-back Iñigo Martinez tried his luck from a free-kick and almost got the better of Soria, but his attempt went just wide.
After the break, Getafe moved Djene into midfield where he linked up well with Arambarri, who hit the post towards the beginning of the second half.
Shortly after, Full-back Yuri Berchiche was replaced by Mikel Balenziaga after feeling dizzy. The lions continued to defend well in a game that became an increasingly physical battle with many fouls called.
But they were caught on the counter and Ángel made them pay with a powerful shot to Simón’s right.
In the end it was a fair result for a game of two teams and two halves. What’s more, De Marcos joined an exclusive list of Athletic Club players by making his 400th appearance for the club when he replaced Ander Capa in the 78th minute.