This Saturday’s match between Getafe and Leganes was one of the most important in the history of this derby as they met in the top division for just the fourth time ever and with the former harbouring hopes of Champions League qualification at the same time as the latter battles against relegation.
Second half goals from Michael Santos and Juanfran earned a 2-0 win for Leganes in their fight to avoid the drop, while the victory will taste extra sweet for Los Pepineros if this ends up preventing their rivals from enjoying Champions League football.
Getafe struggled throughout this match and could have gone behind as early as the 18th minute when they gave away a penalty for a Nemanja Maksimovichandball, but Guido Carillo shot straight down the middle at David Soria and buried his head inside his shirt in despair.
The striker would have been relieved, then, when his side did go in front four minutes into the second half.
His strike partner Santos got on the end of an excellent Jonathan Silva cross to head past Soria right in front of the rejoicing Leganes fans who had made the seven-kilometre trip.
Although the goal was initially ruled out for offside, VAR stepped in and awarded it.
Getafe found bodies clogging the Leganes penalty area any time they got that far forward and their comeback attempt was then in ruins in the 84th minute as their former player Juanfran raced forward into the box and finished smartly, apologising to the home fans as his teammates celebrated.
For Leganes, this win takes them a step closer to survival.
For Getafe, it could leave them with free Tuesdays and Wednesdays next season.
