Getafe (Spain), Dec 12 (IANS): Getafe preserved a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in La Liga thanks to a great performance by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Though Real Sociedad is much improved since Eusebio Sacristan replaced David Moyes as coach a month ago, the San Sebastian squad has continued to struggle on the road and the new manager came into the match hoping to change that, reports Efe.

On the other side, Getafe, still smarting from last week's 4-1 away loss to neighbours Real Madrid, were eager to satisfy coach Fran Escriba, who publicly challenged his players to take all nine points from the three matches remaining in 2015.

Escriba opted for an offense-minded strategy with two strikers here on Friday, but Sociedad were not intimidated and they quickly took control.

Guaita had to made the first of a series of key stops in the sixth minute, turning aside a shot by Carlos Velay Bruma, who later sent a strike just wide of the right post.

The home side started the second half energized and their enthusiasm paid off in the 46th minute, when Pablo Sarabia eluded a defender and got past Real goalkeeper Rulli to head Juan Rodriguez's cross into the net.

Imanol Agirretxe would have equalised for Real seconds later if not for another impressive save by Guaita.

But the Getafe keeper couldn't stop Agirretxe on a second opportunity 20 minutes later, though the home team and their fans thought the goal should have been disallowed because Real's Diego Reyes was offside.

The goal was Agirretxe's 12th of the season.

The outcome leaves Real Sociedad in 13th place, with 16 points from 15 matches, seven of them earned since Sacristan took over.

Getafe, with 15 points, holds the 15th spot in La Liga.