La Liga: Real Zaragoza 2 Getafe 1

Real Zaragoza moved three points clear of the La Liga relegation zone with a valuable 2-1 win over Getafe on Monday.

Leonardo Ponzio opened the scoring for hosts Zaragoza with a long-range effort in the 14th minute at Estadio de La Romareda.

The Argentine midfielder received the ball just inside the visitors’ half and was allowed to advance unchecked, before launching a low shot past Oscar Ustari.

The Getafe goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, but was unable to prevent Ponzio making it 1-0.

And another Argentine midfielder, Nicolas Bertolo, doubled the advantage on 35 minutes.

After Getafe lost possession in the centre of the pitch, Zaragoza launched a quick counter-attack.

Nigeria international striker Ikechukwu Uche fed to the ball to an unmarked Bertolo, with the man on loan from Serie A side Palermo taking a touch before slotting past Ustari for 2-0.

Francisco Casquero pulled one back for Getafe on the stroke of half-time, firing home from close range after Zaragoza failed to clear a header by Adrian Colunga.

Midfielder Casquero came close to equalising in the second half, but saw a shot saved by Zaragoza goalkeeper Antonio Doblas.

The win sees Zaragoza stay 17th, but they are now three points clear of the drop zone.

Javier Aguirre’s side also close to within one point of 16th-placed Getafe, who have picked up just eight points from a possible 45 to plummet down the table in 2011.