On March 2, 2025, the historic rivalry between CD Leganés and Getafe CF took center stage at the Estadio Butarque, where the Leganés team narrowly triumphed over their local challengers with a score of 1-0, thanks to a stunning goal from Diego García. This match, often dubbed the "Derbi del sur de Madrid," lived up to its emotional billing, even if the on-field proceedings initially lacked intensity.
The anticipation surrounding this fixture was palpable, reflecting the heated competition characteristic of derbies. Both teams entered the match under contrasting circumstances. Leganés, desperate to break their winless drought since January 18, 2025, faced Getafe, who had been riding high on four consecutive away victories to start the year. The weight of the stakes was clear; as coach Borja Jiménez noted, "It’s clear this match holds significant importance for the fans. It’s different from any other week due to the atmosphere and emotional weight. Yet, no matter what happens, we continue fighting for survival with 12 games left to play."
Despite the electrifying build-up, the game unfolded cautiously. The first half passed without any shots on target, a rare occurrence for such charged encounters. Both teams appeared anxious, focused more on maintaining their defensive structures than pushing forward aggressively. The Getafe coach, José Bordalás, remarked on this, stating, "It was overly cautious; for both teams, this match was massively important. We expected high intensity, but the game turned monotonous, with scant scoring opportunities."
Things remained uneventful until the frantic final minutes. Just before the close of the first half, the match took a concerning turn when one spectator collapsed. Referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz halted the game as medical staff, accompanied by players including Getafe's goalkeeper David Soria and Leganés forward Miguel de la Fuente, rushed to the fan's aid. Thankfully, emergency services responded swiftly, and the match eventually resumed after the brief interruption.
When the second half commenced, both teams made attempts to shake off the initial passivity. Yet as the minutes ticked by, the match continued at the same pedestrian pace, with neither team willing to risk defensive blunders for the sake of attacking flourish. Fans began to fear there might not be any goals at all.
All this changed dramatically during stoppage time, which proved to be the perfect stage for Diego García to etch his name in local folklore. A carefully orchestrated Leganés counterattack unfolded, starting with Juan Cruz racing down the flank. He cut the ball back to Valentin Rosier, whose precise cross found García inside the box. With remarkable agility, García executed an incredible bicycle kick, sending the ball soaring past Getafe’s goalkeeper David Soria, sealing the victory for Leganés as the referee's whistle signaled the culmination of the game.
The dramatic conclusion of the match ignited fireworks among the home supporters, who celebrated the monumental late goal. García’s brilliance was not just about the goal; it was also about the catharsis of victory, ending the team’s winless run and asserting dominance over their southern Madrid rivals. A jubilant García later stated, "It was pure ecstasy. The goal not only won the match but also represented our relentless fight. The fans deserved this moment."
Nevertheless, the match’s backdrop was underscored by the interrupted moment of concern for the fan who collapsed earlier. Both teams expressed empathy, reflecting the humanitarian side of sports. Bordalás remarked, "Above all, our thoughts are with the fan; the most important thing is health. Football must always take second place to lives and wellbeing." This incident seemed to encapsulate the communal spirit of the sport, emphasizing how fleeting victories are trivial compared to the health of individuals.
With this hard-fought victory, Leganés not only secured three points but boosted their morale significantly, fighting them off the brink of relegation danger, now sitting just above Getafe, who remain precariously close to the drop zone. This derby was more than just about points; it was about pride, history, and the fierce loyalty of fans.
Looking forward, as the season pushes onward, both teams will carry the weight of this match. For Leganés, it signifies hope and resurgence. For Getafe, it's back to the drawing board, focusing on how to translate good spells of game management and playmaking efforts, especially with their next fixture looming on the horizon.
With the fans' passionate display echoing throughout Butarque post-match and Diego García being celebrated by his teammates, this leg of the derby narrative is another unforgettable chapter etched in the records of Madrid's rich football history. The next encounter between these arch-rivals awaits, promising even more intensity and contentions, both on and off the pitch.