Getafe vs. Atletico Madrid: Score, Grades and Reaction from La Liga Game

Getafe 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal of the game as Atletico Madrid claimed a 1-0 win over Getafe in a bad-tempered La Liga match at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

The Croatia international struck in the 40th minute after Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita had spilled an Antoine Griezmann drive.

But the match was overshadowed by the second-half dismissal of Getafe captain Alexis for lashing out at Mandzukic in the 56th minute.

In the aftermath of that incident, Atletico defender Miranda was shown the yellow card for shoving Juan Rodriguez, but television replays showed the Getafe man had trodden on Mandzukic as he received treatment.

As a result, Atletico did not have to hit top gear to claim the three points as Diego Simeone's team took advantage of Barcelona's defeat at Real Madrid to close the gap on the La Liga leaders to two points.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Atletico head coach Simeone made one to change to the Atletico team which defeated Malmo in the Champions League, with Raul Garcia returning to the starting line-up in place of Saul Niguez.

There was an early chance for Mario Suarez after Mandzukic laid off a Juanfran cross into his path, but the effort drifted wide.

At the other end, Medhi Lacen went close for the home side with his drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Atletico were looking for a penalty in the 12th minute when Guilherme Siqueira charged into the area only to be brought down by Emiliano Velazquez, but the referee dismissed the appeals.

The Liga champions were enjoying the better possession in the opening 25 minutes, but Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita was yet to be seriously troubled.

But Siqueira stung the palms of the Getafe goalkeeper in the 26th minute after cutting inside from the left flank with some clever play before unleashing a fierce drive from an angle.

Moments later, Siqueira was required at the other end of the field to cut out a promising Getafe attack.

Antoine Griezmann might not have proved his quality fully so far this season, but his drive from the edge of the box after dancing across from the right was a genuine test for Guaita. However, the Getafe goalkeeper saved well.

Five minutes before the interval, Atletico's domination paid off. A Koke corner was only half-cleared as far as Griezmann, who struck first time from the edge of the area. Guaita spilled the effort to Arda Turan, whose miskick dropped to the feet of Mandzukic, who slotted home.

Miguel Angel Moya had been a virtual spectator in the opening period, but five minutes after the interval he was forced into a treble save as his former club sought an equaliser.

In the 56th minute, the simmering tensions in the game boiled over in ugly fashion as Getafe captain Alexis was sent off for striking Mandzukic, while Miranda was booked for a retaliatory shove on Juan Rodriguez.

Television replays, though, showed Rodriguez had trodden on Mandzukic as he lay on the floor—an incident which sparked Miranda's push on the Getafe player.

In the 67th minute, Simeone withdrew Griezmann from the action to be replaced by Alessio Cerci.

Atletico were content to sit back with the one-man advantage working in their favour after the fracas involving Alexis and Mandzukic.

And despite the game finishing with a single-goal advantage, Atletico were comfortable throughout as they marked Simeone's touchline return with three points. 

Selected player ratings

Guilherme Siqueira: A

It was an impressive display from the left-sided Atletico man. He cut inside at will and almost opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Siqueira was always a handful for Getafe to contain and played his regular part as left-back in defence as well.

Mario Mandzukic: B

He was on hand to slot home Atletico's opening goal and the unfortunate victim of Alexis' anger, but Mandzukic still doesn't seem totally convincing in the team since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer. 

Antoine Griezmann: B+

The France international is still to fully show the qualities which persuaded Atletico and Simeone to pay £24 million to Real Sociedad for his service in the summer, but there was enough on display to underline his potential. Griezmann seemed to benefit from a freer role.

What's ahead

Atletico Madrid are next in action on Saturday when they entertain struggling Cordoba in La Liga. 

Getafe travel to Deportivo La Coruna on Friday evening in the league.

Post-match reaction