Getafe boosted their hopes of European qualification with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga, climbing up to sixth place and securing only their third head-to-head win in the last 12 meetings between the sides.
The visitors arrived with momentum after their Copa del Rey triumph over Atlético Madrid at the weekend, but their celebratory mood appeared to carry into this fixture, as they looked off the pace in the opening stages and struggled to impose themselves.
Despite their sluggish start, Sociedad were handed a golden chance to take the lead inside the first quarter of an hour when Abdel Abqar was judged to have handled Brais Méndez’s header inside the box. Méndez stepped up for the penalty, but struck the post, letting Getafe off the hook.
Shortly after, Orri Óskarsson came close from a tight angle but was denied by David Soria, before Getafe made their own mark on the game just before the half-hour.
A hopeful delivery from Juan Iglesias caused confusion in the Sociedad defence, and Jon Gorrotxategi’s flicked header looped awkwardly over Álex Remiro and dropped into the net to give the hosts the lead.
From that point until half-time, chances were limited as Getafe settled into their advantage and controlled the tempo of the match.
After the restart, Sociedad responded with changes and increased urgency. Ander Barrenetxea, introduced from the bench, injected some energy and came closest when he fired narrowly over from inside the area midway through the half.
Even so, Getafe remained compact and disciplined, rarely allowing their opponents any clear openings and comfortably managing the closing stages.
In the end, the hosts saw out the game without serious alarm, strengthening their position in the top half and edging closer to a return to European competition.
For Real Sociedad, the defeat marked their first home loss of 2026, though their recent Copa del Rey success ensures they will feature in next season’s UEFA Europa League regardless of their final league position, allowing them to finish the campaign with less pressure.
