Getafe breathe easier after win

Getafe CF claimed a valuable 1-0 win over Elche CF in one of the two encounters that closed out matchday 30 of the Liga BBVA. Thanks to a goal from Freddy Hinestroza in the 84th minute, los azulones now have a reassuring ten-point cushion separating them from the relegation places; meanwhile, the hosts lie in 16th, three points off the drop zone.

Elche made a very good start to the match, creating several chances to take the lead in the opening stages. Fayçal Fajr, with a free-kick, and Jonathas de Jesús, with a shot off target, were at the centre of los ilicitanos’ initial opportunities. Getafe reacted to their opponents’ excellent early period with a further clear chance: shrugging off the attentions of his defender, Hinestroza produced a powerful effort that was stopped by Przemysław Tytoń. Before the break, Fajr was again close to scoring for Elche with an attempt that hit the crossbar.

After half time, the hosts continued to marginally dominate the proceedings. However, both sides were unable to carve out attacking openings in the area as frequently as in the first half as set-pieces began to take on a more and more central role in the affair. And it was from a dead-ball situation that the game’s only goal arrived with six minutes to go: Pedro León swung in the corner and Hinestroza met the delivery with a great header to seal victory for Getafe.