Sunday 8 January 2012

Getafe 0-0 Athletic Bilbao: Lively second half brings no goals

Winter shutdown ends with a game of two halves at the Coliseum...
... After a dull first period the hosts couldn't take their chances in the second...

Getafe failed to make it three games in a row but at least retained  their recent unbeaten record courtesy of a 0-0 draw with a fairly nondescript Athletic Bilbao side in Madrid on Sunday afternoon.

The first period saw few opportunities, with Miku's early header being saved well by Gorka Iraizoz and Andoni Iraola failing to connect properly with an Iker Muniain cross within the first fifteen minutes.

From there the match slowed down significantly heading towards the break, with only a booking for Dani Güiza - awarded after a foul on Fernando Amorebieta - enlivening a dull encounter.

Seconds after the break Miku drove over from close range as Athletic started the half looking vulnerable to a Pedro Ríos cross from the right, giving the home fans hope of more exciting moments to come.

This proved to be the case as Geta put on a real show in the second half, pausing for breath only when Athletic had a Javi Martínez goal - also involving the freshly-uninjured Fernando Llorente - correctly ruled out for offside after a deep free-kick.

Athletic were in fact finding themselves frustrated by Geta's high line, and at the other end Miku continued to pose a danger until the dying minutes, his header twelve minutes from time proving a tough one for Gorka.

Of course Miguel Moyà had a few tasks to complete at the other end, but it was clear that Getafe were on top and that only a lack of cutting edge prevented their taking all three points.

Thus Getafe will end the weekend mid-table and just a scant few points above the dropzone. Next week brings a trip to Zaragoza, who are dead last in the Liga standings.

Getafe: Moyà, Valera, Cata Díaz, Rafa, Masilela; Pedro Ríos (Gavilán 71), Míchel, Casquero (Lacen 77), Abdel; Miku, Dani Güiza (Diego Castro 82).

Athletic Bilbao: Gorka Iraizoz; Iraola, Javi Martínez, Amorebieta, Aurtentxe; Iturraspe, De Marcos (San José 54); Susaeta, Ander, Muniain (Ibai 83); Toquero (Llorente 64).
Note: Peña Getafense Escocia is now back from its winter hiatus, which was due to vacation.

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