Getafe were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Abdel Abqar was sent off for appearing to pinch Atletico's Alexander Sorloth in a sensitive area. Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated his line-up ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg trip to Tottenham, but was still able to secure a sixth win in the last seven matches across all competitions.

The Rojiblancos, third, moved within six points of second-place Real Madrid, who host Elche later on. League leaders Barca, fourth points clear of Los Blancos, host Sevilla Sunday. Defender Molina's superb strike, lashed into the top corner from over 25 yards out after eight minutes, was enough to split the teams at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.

It was a more taxing clash than their rollicking 5-2 victory over Tottenham in midweek. Sorloth could have doubled Atletico's lead but nodded Alex Baena's cross against the post at the end of a razor-sharp counter-attack.

Getafe's afternoon took a turn for the worse when Moroccan defender Abqar was dismissed for grabbing at Sorloth's crotch, with the angry Norwegian striker throwing him to the floor. Despite Atletico's numerical advantage the visitors had the better of the second half and created good chances to equalise.

Mauro Arambarri fired narrowly over when in on goal and Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso made a fine late save to push away Adrian Liso's header in stoppage time.

A. Abqar

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