Villarreal held by Getafe to drab draw in Spanish capital

Hoping to continue their upward trajectory against sides based in the capital, the visitors looked invigorated throughout the opening minutes after not suffering a defeat against such a team in their last five meetings.

However, it was Getafe - seeking their first victory in eight La Liga matches - who manufactured the first clear opportunity with Mauro Arambarri’s shot flying over the crossbar.

Despite being shorn of suspended coach Quique Sanchez Flores’ guidance, the Azulones remained composed in the face of a dominant spell of possession from last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists up to half-time.

There was time enough for a scare, though, as Villarreal were David Soria’s fingertips away from breaking the deadline in the 41st minute when Getafe’s number one spectacularly tipped Gerard Moreno’s fearsome strike wide.

Hoping for a fourth successive victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Villarreal proceeded to dominate the early exchanges of the second half.

Getafe still stood firm regardless, and with the scoreline still level approaching the hour-mark, Unai Emery became the first manager to roll the substitutional dice, introducing Nicolas Jackson, Kiko and Samuel Chukwueze into the fray.

Having been outplayed for vast periods of the second half, Getafe eventually found a period of momentum to the enthusiasm of the home support, registering their first shot on target in the half as Geronimo Rulli comfortably held on to Domingos Duarte’s header in the 72nd minute.

The game petered out from that point, making the final 0-0 scoreline feel somewhat inevitable.

After experiencing the late drama of VAR overturning referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez’s initial decision to award Villarreal a penalty, Emery’s side will undoubtedly be left frustrated after missing out on the chance to go top.

Meanwhile, a point moves Getafe off the foot of the league table for the time being, but Sanchez Flores' side will be reinstated as basement boys for at least another week if Cadiz pick up a point against Athletic Club on Monday.

Flashscore Man of the Match: David Soria (Getafe CF)

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