Grafting Getafe on the up
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Article summary
Getafe CF took a step towards safety as Daniel Kome and Michel González scored in a defeat of Athletic Club Bilbao.
Article body
By Andy Hall
Getafe CF made a step towards Primera División survival with a late winner from Michel González clinching a 2-1 success against Athletic Club Bilbao and their first ever away victory in the Spanish top flight.
Warm welcome
The Madrileños were treated to a warm welcome from the crowd but sentiments were forgotten once the action started and the home side seized the early initative. Santi Ezquerro broke the deadlock to fire Athletic in front from close range ten minutes before half-time. The Basque side could have extended their lead when awarded a penalty five minutes later but Andoni Iraola's kick was brilliantly kept out by Sergio Aragoneses.
Second-half rally
Curiously, only two non-Spanish players were involved in the match and both combined to put Getafe back in the running. Cameroonian Daniel Kome connected with Argentinian Mariano Pernía's centre to head a vital equaliser just after the hour mark. Michel sealed the three points with ten minutes to go to put Getafe in 12th spot with 35 points, eleven clear of the relegation zone. Athletic remain tenth, just three points ahead.