1-0: A PIECE OF MAGIC FROM RAFA MIR EXTENDS THE GAP

When they get in front, it's a near miracle to snatch a point from this Sevilla. That's what Getafe must have thought this afternoon at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán after Lopetegui's side came away with three points that, given the circumstances, fully justify the lap of honour the players did after the game, roared on by the fans. It was another demonstration of resilience in the face of innumerable adversities - today Koundé had to go off injured - which allowed them to take three golden points and the umpteenth clean sheet. We are now ten points clear of third place ahead of meeting them in the Copa del Rey on Saturday.

Getafe's good form has stemmed from a return to the style that was so successful under Bordalás, a rugged approach to try to capitalise on their opponents' mistakes. That was precisely what Sevilla came up against today: a well-drilled opponent who practically disabled the midfield and forced Lopetegui's side to pass and pass with patience. Montiel's early cross into the box would not be the norm, although after ten minutes Rafa Mir did score with a header. Unfortunately, he went too early and the linesman ruled it out. The first clear-cut chance for Getafe came soon after, with a mistake by Koundé that Ünal and Mata tried to capitalise on. The strikers had a case of "to me, to you" and in their dawdling, Fernando appeared to send it out for a corner.

Rafa Mir surprised everyone and back-heeled the ball past David Soria to decide the game

Sevilla looked to be locked in their usual attacking pattern, but it was Ocampos' grit and Rafa Mir's class that broke the deadlock. The Argentinian's enterprising run down the right was followed by a quality touch at the near post from the striker, who beat his marker and back-heeled the ball low into the net. By the time David Soria could react, the ball was already in. The game was now where Sevilla wanted it to be and a shot from Papu could have made it two-nil. However, it was Getafe who came closest before the break, with Martínez Munuera once again cancelling out a goal, this time from Maksimovic.

On the verge of half-time, a nasty fall after a jump by Koundé saw the Frenchman pushed to get to the final whistle, but by the interval it was clear that Gudelj had to be brought on. With the Serbian on the pitch, Getafe came out with a vengeance and Aleñá tested Dmitrovic from distance. However, Mir would go one better, who headed home a good cross from Montiel. But... the offside flag rose again. Despite the lively start, the second half began to slow down between Getafe who were not on top and Sevilla who, with assured possession, did not need to risk any more than necessary in their opponents' half.

Getafe struggled to push for the equaliser in another defensive masterclass by Sevilla

It looked as if Getafe would turn it on in the closing stages, but the closest they came was to take off a defender for Vitolo, who could barely get a touch on the ball. At the other end, a long-range effort from Papu and Rakitic's wicked cross, which Diego Carlos failed to meet, had a second for Sevilla more likely than a Getafe equaliser. In fact, Sevilla were able to finish the game in their opponents' half and take another three points to extend their run of form.

The second half of the season has begun very well for the side, opening up a spectacular gap of ten points over third place. Now the team have a week before their next match which will be very welcome for the coach and his staff as the team try and recover more players. La Liga comes to a halt but the demands are as high as every with a spectacular derby tie in the Copa del Rey last-16. 

GAME SUMMARY

1. SEVILLA FC: Dmitrovic, Montiel, Koundé (Gudelj, 46'), Diego Carlos, Acuña, Fernando, Joan Jordán, Óliver Torres (Rakitic, 62'), Ocampos, Papu Gómez (Óscar Rodríguez, 90') and Rafa Mir.

0. GETAFE CF: David Soria, Djene, Mitrovic, Cuenca (Cabaco, 86'), Damián, Aleñá, Maksimovic, Florentino (Vitolo, 86'), Silva (Jankto, 73'), Enes Ünal and Mata (Darío, 64').

GOALSS: 1-0, 22;: Rafa Mir.

REFEREE: Juan Martínez Munuera. Yellows for Djene, Silva, Florentino and Ocampos.