MADRID, Jan 26 (Reuters) – Atletico Madrid moved to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday, easing to a 2-0 home win over Getafe in an ill-tempered game which saw the visitors end the game with nine men.
Atletico top scorer Antoine Griezmann struck his 10th league goal of the season to give the home side a deserved lead in the 27th minute, collecting a pass from Thomas Partey then firing into the net from just outside the area.
Spain midfielder Saul Niguez marked his return from injury by doubling the lead 10 minutes later, pouncing on the rebound to net his first league goal of the season from close range after Croatian forward Nikola Kalinic had had a shot saved.
Getafe coach Jose Bordalas rested players in preparation for next Tuesday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Valencia after winning the first leg 1-0 and saw two players sent off in the closing stages for second bookings.
Defender Djene Dakonam was given his marching orders in the 88th minute and left back Leandro Cabrera followed him down the tunnel in added time, picking up his two yellows in the space of eight minutes.
Atletico, chasing a first title since 2014, are second in the standings on 44 points, two behind Barca who visit Girona on Sunday. (Reporting by Richard Martin; editing by Tony Lawrence)
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