Atletico Madrid edges Getafe 1-0 after Abqars red card for grabbing Sorloths groin

Atletico Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, after the away side was down to ten players following Abdel Abqars dismissal for making contact with Alexander Sorloths private area.

A stunning long-range effort from Nahuel Molina assisted the third-placed team in closing the distance to the leading pair, yet the unusual event shortly after halftime featuring Getafe back Abqar dominated discussions.

The Moroccan player, who maintained it was accidental contact with the Atletico forwards groin, seemed to squeeze the Norwegian, prompting him to shove Abqar down in frustration.

"My aim was not to make contact with the player there," stated Abqar, ejected following a VAR examination, in an interview with Movistar.

"Such contacts occur in every match, with players bumping and jostling constantly, yet I had no intention of reaching that spot...

"I am unsure what the official observed, but the footage shows it plainly, and I assure you I never meant to touch him in that way."

Abqar clarified his attempt was to contact Sorloths midsection, "as players often do to gauge opponents positions".

Atletico manager Diego Simeone shuffled his squad in preparation for Wednesdays Champions League last-16 return fixture against Tottenham, yet managed a sixth triumph in seven outings across competitions.

The Rojiblancos, sitting third, narrowed the margin to six points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who face Elche later. Top side Barca, leading by four points over Los Blancos, take on Sevilla on Sunday.

Molinass impressive shot, rifled into the upper corner from beyond 25 yards just eight minutes in, proved decisive at the Metropolitano stadium for Atletico.

This encounter proved tougher than their exhilarating 5-2 midweek win over Tottenham.

Sorloth nearly extended Atleticos advantage but headed Alex Baenas delivery onto the upright during a swift breakaway.

Getafes day worsened ten minutes into the second period when Abqar was shown off for apparently clutching at Sorloths groin.

"Such actions were common three decades back, and the official correctly expelled him," remarked Atletico keeper Juan Musso.

"In the past, this was acceptable in the game, but today it has no place."

Even with Atleticos man advantage, Getafe controlled much of the latter half and generated solid opportunities to level the score.

Mauro Arambarri shot just wide from a promising position, while Musso executed a strong stoppage-time denial on Adrian Liscos header.