Getafe missed the chance in Elche to take an almost decisive step towards Europe. The Azulones were beaten by the narrowest margin at the Martinez Valero by opponents playing for a large part of their survival hopes, with Victor Chust emerging as the main figure of the afternoon.

Elche started with greater urgency and controlled the match from the outset. Backed by their supporters and needing all three points, Eder Sarabia’s side built possession, territory and arrivals around David Soria’s goal. Getafe, sitting deeper, struggled to establish themselves in the opposition half during a first period dominated by the Franjiverdes.

The 1-0 arrived in the 19th minute. Victor Chust collected a loose ball on the edge of the area and connected with a powerful strike that flew into the Getafe goal. The goal reflected the hosts’ strong start and gave Elche the momentum they needed on a key day in the survival fight.

Before the break, the match became even more complicated for Getafe. Djene was sent off in the 39th minute after an incident with German Valera, leaving Bordalas’s team with ten men for the whole second half. The first period ended with clear superiority for Elche and Getafe forced to resist.

After the interval, the Azulones showed a more recognisable version of themselves. With a man less, they gained ground, adjusted their efforts better and kept the match from being killed off. Elche had chances to extend the lead, especially through a Valera counter-attack that hit the woodwork, but they did not finish the contest and uncertainty remained until stoppage time.

Getafe did not create enough clear chances to equalise, although they stayed competitive until the end. The defeat delays Bordalas’s European target, with his side still dependent on the final day to defend their continental place. Elche, meanwhile, cling to survival and will go into the closing round of LaLiga with their fate in their own hands.