Nigeria midfielder Chrisantus Uche was booked and hauled off after 45 minutes as Getafe secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Alaves had the best chances in the first half, with Carlos Vicente firing towards the top-right corner and later rattling the crossbar.
However, Getafe took the lead on 42 minutes when Abdel Abqar conceded a penalty for an apparent elbow on Omar Alderete. Mauro Arambarri stepped up and blasted the spot-kick into the roof of the net.
The hosts pushed for an equalizer, but Getafe held firm.
Antonio Sivera made a crucial save in the 85th minute to deny Getafe a second goal, while David Soria produced late heroics to parry away a Jon Guridi header.
The win takes Getafe six points clear of the drop zone, while Alavés could end the day as low as 19th.
