Elche move out of the relegation zone with huge win over European chasing Getafe

Given the high stakes facing the hosts Elche tried to assert control early with Álvaro Rodríguez blocked in a promising spot before Victor Chust scored his debut goal for the side after nineteen minutes.

Pedro Bigas sent a long throw in only part cleared to the former Real Madrid defender who smashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box into the top corner beyond David Soria.

The goal gave Eder Sarabia team a real lift and their fight to stay up got better support six minutes ahead of half time as Getafe captain Djené Dakonam saw red for a late challenge on Germán Valera.

With an extra man after the break Elche pushed to add another goal as Grady Diangana fired a low effort just wide from a narrow angle close to the hour.

Elche could not secure the vital second goal in the late period leaving a chance for Jose Bordalás side to equalise.

Yet as one of the lowest scoring teams on the road this term they could not create any real danger to test Matías Dituro and claim a point at Estadio Martínez Valero.

The win takes Sarabia men to forty two points and sets up a visit to Girona next weekend where a draw would relegate the Catalans.

Even after the loss Getafe stay in the top seven holding a one point advantage over the teams behind them.