Hapoel hold on to win in Spain

Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC revived their UEFA Cup hopes with a stubborn performance on their first competitive trip to Spain.

Watertight
European debutants Getafe CF had won their opening Group G game at Tottenham Hotspur FC, while Hapoel had lost to both RSC Anderlecht and Tottenham and had seen coach Guy Luzon resign on Sunday. But first-half goals from Walid Badir and Barukh Dego put caretaker pair Ron Zivlin and Yossi Abuksis's side in control and their watertight defence was only breached by Pablo Hernández's last-gasp penalty.

Early strike
The home fans were stunned after just five minutes when Badir turned in Dani Bondarv's pass from the right. Getafe began to control the midfield but they had few chances, Casquero flashing an effort wide while Esteban Granero also tried his luck from distance. Fábio Júnior's pace gave Hapoel options on the counterattack, yet it was his fellow striker Dego who doubled the lead, curling a free-kick past the Getafe wall and unsighted goalkeeper Óscar Ustari. Albín almost responded immediately after a Cosmin Contra flick had set him up in the area, only for Vincent Enyeama to pull off a stunning save.

Late consolation
Getafe worked hard to reduce arrears after the break: substitute Braulio volleyed over, Hernández shot wide, and Albín also came close. At the other end, Fábio nearly made it three as he missed the target with only Ustari to beat. The next goal, however, came Getafe's way in stoppage time after Ygal Antebi had handled in the box and Hernández converted from the spot. Still, Getafe remain well-placed in Group G with a game in hand on Hapoel, which they will use up next week at bottom side Aalborg BK, who then visit Israel on 19 December. Hapoel will need a win to match last season's run to the Round of 32.