Getafe take top spot with Anderlecht win

Getafe CF clinched top spot in UEFA Cup Group G with a hard-earned win against RSC Anderlecht but both teams advanced to Friday's Round of 32 draw.

Duo through
Neither side were assured of progress along with Tottenham Hotspur FC, with Getafe needing a draw to make sure and Anderlecht a victory. Pablo Hernández's early goal settled Getafe nerves and Fabio Celestini made it two five minutes into the second half. Anderlecht pushed hard yet only had Cyril Théréau's injury-time header to show for their efforts. Nonetheless, they remained in third place as Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC were beaten 3-1 at home by eliminated Aalborg BK. Getafe's success lifted the European debutants above two-time UEFA Cup winners Tottenham.

Getafe ahead
The Spanish team's victory had looked a possibility from the sixth minute when Hernández found the target with a sweet finish from ten metres. Anderlecht had the better of the rest of the first half as Marcin Wasilewski and Jonathan Legear went close and Jan Polák grazed the bar with a header.

Lead doubled
However, the Brussels club found themselves further behind early in the second period. Hernández was the creator, crossing from the left for Celestini to turn the ball in. Although Hapoel were never in front against AaB, Anderlecht could not take a chance so looked to turn the game in Spain. Substitute Mbo Mpenza had a strike from the edge of the box caught by Roberto Abbondanzieri, then Bart Goor's long-range drive was superbly tipped over by the goalkeeper.

Consolation
Abbondanzieri was again in action 20 seconds later to keep out Mark De Man's header, but could not stop Théréau turning in Ahmed Hassan's cross late on. However, the real consolation for 1982/83 tournament winners Anderlecht was the result in Israel.