Getafe continued their incredible first ever venture into the UEFA Cup by finishing the job begun in the first-leg against Benfica. 2-1 up after the meeting in Lisbon last week, they were well-placed to progress, and Michael Laudrup's men sealed their place in the last eight alongside sides such as Bayern Munich and Fiorentina thanks to beautifully taken goal be Juan Angel Albin inside the last fifteen minutes at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Two-time European Cup winners Benfica can now be added to a list of victims that also includes Tottenham Hotspur, Anderlecht, and AEK Athens.

Despite holding the first-leg advantage that left the Portuguese side needing two goals to progress, Getafe's hopes were hit by a large number of players being unavailable throuhg injury or suspension. Pablo Hernandez, scorer of one of the goals last week, and frontman Braulio were both suspended, while the likes of Cata Diaz, Mario Alvarez, Uche, and Granero were all out injured. In total, coach Laudrup was without nine first-team players. The visitors, meanwhile, came into the game in turmoil following the resignation of coach Jose Antonio Camacho at the weekend. Stand-in coach Fernando Chalana started with former Sevilla and Valladolid man Makukula leading the attack, and Katsouranis in central defenc, with Luisao missing. The Getafe fans were also able to see veteran stars such as Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes in action.

The visitors started the stronger, chasing the two goals that would turn the tie in their favour. However, after six minutes, Makukula hit the post with the goal at his mercy, and the Aguias would not get such a golden opportunity again. After that, the best chance of the opening half fell to Gavilan, who should have done better than hit the side-netting from a good position. In the second-half, clear-cut chances continues to be at a premium. Albin was superbly denied by a last-ditch Katsouranis block, and Rui Costa had a volley well saved by Pato.

If that had gone in, there would have been a grandstand finish. However, it wasn't to be, and with thirteen minutes remaining, the goal arrived that killed the contest. Ruben de la Red, filling in at centre-back in the absence of David Belenguer, found Albin with a fine through ball, and the Uruguayan striker beat the advancing Quim with a delicious chip from just outside the area. Game over.

Getafe will quietly fancy their chances in the last eight, provided injuries don't hamper their prospects, as they continue to fight on three fronts. They have some technically excellent players, with Ruben de la Red particularly deserving of a mention after this game, and if they are all firing, they will be a match for whoever they are paired with in Friday's draw.