Hercules CF 0 : 0 Getafe - Lively clash ends goalless

Hercules and Getafe cancelled each other out in a lively fixture which ended goalless.

Both sides remained true to their attacking instincts, despite poor results of late, but neither were able to find a breakthrough to boost their respective flagging league campaigns.

Hercules, who had defender Cristian Pulhac dismissed late on, had lost four of their last five matches before this one, but playmaker Tote said in the build-up to this game that Getafe's attacking style would benefit his side.

Indeed, the forward had the ball in the net after 19 minutes, but saw his effort ruled out for offside.

Javier Portillo had missed a good chance for the home side moments earlier and the former Real Madrid striker saw a fierce shot saved by Getafe keeper Jordi Codina in the second half.

His strike partner, David Trezeguet, also missed a wonderful opportunity early in the second period, when he headed straight at Codina with only the keeper to beat.

Midfielder Cristian Hidaldo then almost won it for the home side with two minutes left, but saw his effort rebound off the crossbar.

But Getafe had their moments as well.

Adrian Colunga struck the post just before the interval following a quick counter-attack and the Madrid-based side should have had a penalty in the closing stages, when Andreas Fritzler handled in the area.

Hercules finished the game with 10 men after Pulhac was dismissed for a second yellow card deep into added time.

A draw was a fair result in the end, but does little to improve the position of either side.

Getafe are 10th with 32 points, six more than 15th-placed Hercules.