AEK Athens struck in injury time to earn a draw against Spanish surprise package Getafe in the first-leg of their UEFA Cup last 32 clash in the Greek capital. Getafe seemed set to take a one-goal lead back to Madrid for the second-leg when Ruben de la Red broke the deadlock just four minutes from time. However, deep into time added on, substitute Ismael Blanco's outrageous back-heeled effort levelled the scores. Nevertheless, AEK still have work to do in the return, as Getafe hold the advantage courtesy of their away goal.

Spaniard Lorenzo Serra Ferrer had been fired as coach of AEK on the eve of the game following poor recent domestic form. However, there were no surprises in the home line-up selected by caretaker Nikos Kostenoglou. Brazilian pair Rivaldo and Manduca supported Nikos Liberopoulos in attack, as January signing Mohammed Kallon was left on the bench. Meanwhile, Getafe coach Michael Laudrup surprisingly left out goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who has been the preferred choice in cup competitions this season, with Pato Abbondanzieri playing instead. In addition, Ruben de la Red and Manu del Moral were dropped, with Uche and Braulio forming the strike pairing.

The visitors had the upper hand in a poor first period, with the best chance falling to Casquero who shot wide of the far post when left one-on-one with Moretto. After the break, Getafe winger Gavilan caused a scare when he fell awkwardly after challenging for a high ball with Arruabarrena. The on-loan Valencia player landed heavily on his neck, and for a while there were concerns that he had caused himself a serious injury. He was taken away to hospital to be placed under observation. Meanwhile a second-half substitute, De la Red, finally broke the deadlock just four minutes from time. The home rearguard failed to deal with a Manu cross, and the former Real Madrid player was on hand to fire home a priceless away goal. However, the "azulones" will be kicking themselves for failing to hold on to their lead. Three minutes into injury time, Ismael Blanco, who had been on the park barely ten minutes, received a flick from fellow sub Kallon, took a touch, and backheeled an equaliser.

Although Getafe have the advantage going into the return on their own turf, managerless AEK will have received a massive boost thanks to Blanco's clever finish. Nevertheless, this was not a great match, and it will be remembered above all else for the injury to Gavilan. Fortunately, he will only be out for a week, and as a result could return in time for the second-leg, but there were fears at the time that it was much worse.