Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Getafe: On the Cusp of La Liga's 'Greatest Miracle' and a Champions League Spot

A defeat has been the making of this Getafe team and their extraordinary pursuit of a place in next year's UEFA Champions League.

In January, Getafe were paired with Valencia in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey and won the first leg 1-0 at home. In the return tie at Valencia's historic Mestalla Stadium, the game turned into a bonfire—the referee doled out 10 yellow cards and three reds.

Getafe went ahead in the first minute of play through Jorge Molina, but the second half was when things really got interesting. Rodrigo scored to pull one back for Valencia, and then Getafe's key central defender, Dakonam Djene, was sent off for a second bookable offence.