Getafe 1 - 1 Sporting de Gijon: Stefan Scepovic secures vital point for Getafe

Posted Monday, May 09, 2016 by PA

Getafe moved out of the Primera Division's bottom three as they came from behind to draw 1-1 against fellow strugglers Sporting Gijon, who finished with 10 men at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Sergio Alvarez volleyed Gijon into the lead early in the second half, but midfielder Nacho Cases was then sent off after collecting a second yellow card in the 56th minute.

The home side eventually made their extra man count with 10 minutes left when substitute Stefan Scepovic headed in an equaliser, but neither side could find a winner and remain in a battle to retain their top-flight status.

Both clubs are level on 36 points heading into the final match of the league campaign, with Getafe in 17th on goal difference but now three behind Granada, who won 4-1 away to Sevilla which all but secures their position.

Rayo Vallecano, defeated 2-1 at Real Sociedad, are just a point behind, but have dropped into 19th place.

Getafe started brightly and created a decent opening on 25 minutes when the ball was worked into the right side of the Gijon penalty area for Pedro Leon.

The winger produced a smart turn to create space for a shot, driving in a low, angled strike which was beaten away by Gijon goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar at the near post.

Pablo Sarabia and Leon both had further efforts on target, before Gijon started to create some chances at the other end as the first half drew to a close.

Gijon midfielder Jony tried his luck from the edge of the Getafe penalty area, but his dipping, left-foot shot was collected by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The visitors took the lead early in the second half.

On 50 minutes, a thrown-in from the left touchline was flicked back to the penalty spot by a defender, where Carlos Carmona chested the ball down and Alvarez volleyed it into the top left corner - sparking wild celebrations from the visiting players, bench and travelling fans.

Getafe, who were unbeaten in their last three under Juan Esnaider following a winless run of 13 which resulted in the departure of former boss Fran Escriba, went on the offensive as Alvaro Medran headed down a free-kick from Leon, which Cuellar saved.

Gijon were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Cases, who had been cautioned in the first half, was given a red card after sliding in late on Medran.

The home side continued to press, as a corner from the left curled in to hit the outside of the post.

Gijon, though, remained dangerous on the counter and on 70 minutes broken quickly through Jony, who raced into the penalty area and cut back inside, but his low effort was well saved at the near post.

Getafe grabbed an equaliser with 10 minutes left when a curling free-kick from Leon, 25 yards out on the left, was headed in at the near post by Scepovic.

The hosts had a late effort from Scepovic, on loan from Scottish club Celtic, correctly ruled offside and had to settle for a point - but that was enough to move them out of the bottom three and so leave fate in their own hands at Real Betis next week.