Getafe 1 Valencia 0: Markel Bergara downs Valencia for ten-man Getafe in hot-tempered clash
Marcelinho's side fail to close the gap on leaders Barcelona as they slip to their first defeat of the season in La Liga
VALENCIA failed to close the gap on leaders Barcelona after slipping to their first defeat of La Liga season at ten-man Getafe.
Marcelinho's men were hoping to capitalise on the frontrunners' draw with Celta Vigo on Saturday.
However, Markel Bergara's strike in the 66th minute means they finish the weekend five points behind the Nou Camp side.
And their frustrations boiled over at the end as the melee ensued after a confrontation between Valencia's Spanish forward Santi Mina Lorenzo and Getafe's Uruguayan defender Damian Suarez.
The result was even more surprising considering the hosts played for over an hour with a man less.
Mauro Arambarri was given his marching orders with just 25 minutes on the clock after picking up his second booking.
But it would be Bergara who would provide the difference as his 25-yard effort deflected in off Gabriel Paulista.
Valencia did almost level when Dani Parejo struck the post from a free-kick.
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And Simone Zaza, who is joint-second in the league's goalscoring charts, missed a glorious chance in the dying seconds.
The ex-West Ham forward headed over the bar from close-range.
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That result moves Getafe up to eighth in the table.
It also allowed Atletico Madrid to edge closer to Valencia after they came from behind to beat Real Sociedad on yesterday.
They are now just a point behind in third with Real Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw by Athletic Bilbao, sitting in fourth spot.