Celta Vigo fail to keep pace in La Liga, drop points at Getafe
Celta Vigo missed the chance to take over at the top of the Primera Division standings after being held to a -0 draw at home by Getafe in an entertaining encounter at Balaidos.
Celta would moved up from fourth to first place with a three-point haul, but, incredibly in a match which produced scores of chances and saw the woodwork hit three times, neither they nor Getafe could find a breakthrough.
The hosts made a breathtaking start to the game and Spain striker Nolito, who was a constant menace throughout, and Iago Aspas each went close before the latter saw his 11th-minute effort smash against the far post.
Alvaro Vazquez stemmed the tide briefly with an effort for Getafe before Nolito twice more tried to find a way past Getafe keeper Vicente Guaita inside the opening half-hour. Guaita was back in the action at the start of the second half to keep out Gustavo Cabral's header and a shot from Pablo Hernandez in quick succession.
Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez was then called on to deny Alvaro Medran before Pablo Sarabia let the hosts off the hook with a disappointing effort, although his team-mate Angel Lafita almost made something of it.
The home side, who last drew a blank in front of goal against Barcelona at the start of April, carried on their bid for the opener and hit the frame of the goal a second time in the 66th minute when Nolito, who moments previously had seen a shot well saved by an inspired Guaita, saw an effort crash against the crossbar.
The game continued to swing from end to end and it was Getafe's turn to feel unlucky in the 72nd minute when Stefan Scepovic headed against the bar following a swift counter-attack.
The chances continued to flow at both ends in the final 15 minutes, but still there was no goal, with Celta substitute John Guidetti going closest with a shot that, once again, was saved by Guaita.
