Real Sociedad 0 - 0 Getafe - Leon comes closest in dire draw

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Pedro Leon struck the crossbar in the last minute as Getafe had to settle for a point in a largely uneventful goalless draw at Real Sociedad.

The result leaves Getafe just above the relegation zone with only one win and six points to their credit this season, while Sociedad are two points better off after bringing an end to their three-match losing streak.

The hosts had the better of the first period but Antoine Griezmann shot straight at Miguel Angel Moya and Imanol Agirretxe saw two efforts fly just off target.

However, Getafe had two great chances to win the game late on as Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo produced a great save to deny Miku when the Venezuelan striker was clean through on goal before Leon's stunning effort in the final minute of stoppage time came back off the woodwork.

Both sides have struggled in recent weeks and the lack of confidence in the teams was evident early on as neither got any sort of passing rhythm going.

Griezmann has not been a fans' favourite in recent times after suggestions he wants to move away from San Sebastian and he frustrated the home crowd further on 13 minutes when he was well positioned to open the scoring but placed his shot too close to Moya, who was able to make a comfortable save.

Getafe then began to take control of the game without looking like breaking the deadlock.

Pablo Sarabia's weak effort was easily blocked by Bravo before Mehdi Lacen's long-range shot flew over the bar.

Agirretxe's fantastic early season form has cooled in recent weeks but he nearly put Sociedad ahead 10 minutes before the break with a cleverly executed overhead kick that dropped just wide of Moya's left-hand post.

The striker went close again in first-half stoppage time as Xabi Prieto's nice through-ball found Agirretxe on the edge of the area but his shot went over.

The second period followed the pattern of the first with a lot of the play concentrated in the middle of the park and little goalmouth action.

Miku had the best chance of the match up to that point when he was played through on goal with 14 minutes remaining but Bravo did well to narrow the angle before producing a fine stop to deny the Venezuelan.

Both managers made changes in an attempt to find the winning goal, Sociedad boss Philippe Montanier welcoming Joseba Llorente and Carlos Vela back from injury, while Getafe chief Luis Garcia introduced Leon for Sarabia and both coaches were nearly vindicated in stoppage time.

Firstly, Llorente just failed the get a telling touch from Vela's corner before Leon's long-range effort just did not dip enough and came rattling off the woodwork.