Almeria 1-0 Getafe

Almeria scored their first goal of the season and registered a first win of the new campaign as they edged out Getafe by a single strike.

Michel Macedo bagged the only goal of an evenly-disputed encounter two minutes into the second half and the home side were able to hang on for all three points thanks to a disciplined defensive display.

The Andalusians had failed to score in either of their previous league matches this season.

Hugo Sanchez's side began the campaign with a disappointing goalless draw at home to Valladolid, when they failed to net despite playing for over 70 minutes of the match against 10 men.

And in the second round of matches, Almeria then went down by a single goal to Sporting Gijon.

That was another toothless performance in front of goal, and despite having conceded just once prior to this weekend, the Andalusians came into this match in the relegation zone, with just a point to their name from two encounters.

Getafe, meanwhile, began the campaign in style with an incredible 4-1 win at Racing Santander on the opening weekend.

And the Madrid-based side also competed well with champions Barcelona in their last match, before eventually going down 2-0 at home.

Michel's side created the first chance of note in this match, when Roberto Soldado teed up Francisco Javier Casquero, but Santiago Acasiete got back just in time to nick the ball off the midfielder's toes.

At the other end, left-back Guilherme advanced down the flank and tested Oscar Ustari with a stinging drive from distance, but the Argentinian keeper saved comfortably.

There were few moments of real quality from either side, however, in a disappointing first half.

And neither side looked particularly threatening in the final third as the game was immersed in an intense midfield battle.

Beyond that, there seemed to be a lack of ideas, with both teams missing a creative spark to open the scoring.

But that changed just after the break as Almeria went in front.

Pablo Piatti's defence-splitting pass put through Michel and the right-back showed Almeria's forward how to finish as he coolly slotted the ball under Ustari to give the Andalusians a precious lead and their first goal of the season after 227 minutes of football.

Getafe defender Daniel 'Cata' Diaz then almost gifted them a second goal moments later when he woefully underhit a pass-back to Ustari, but Kalu Uche was unable to intercept.

Fernando Soriano then appealed for a penalty after going down under a challenge from former Almeria full-back Mane, but the referee waved play on.

Piatti headed wide as Sanchez's side continue to look the more likely, but Almeria had their goalkeeper to thank for a fine save with 12 minutes remaining.

Manu Del Moral turned and crashed a powerful shot towards the far corner, but Diego Alves got down to make an excellent save.

And Almeria held on comfortably after that to move into seventh place.

Getafe, meanwhile, are now in the bottom half, following a second straight defeat.