Starting the game level on points, both teams came into the contest with hopes of making up ground in LaLiga’s fierce battle for European qualification, which is likely to receive the added incentive of an extra UEFA Champions League spot.
The in-form hosts required less than 15 minutes to take the lead through Anderlecht loanee Luis Vazquez, albeit he knew little about the finish.
The Argentine saw his initial header saved by Unai Simon, before the alert Martin Satriano steered the subsequent rebound in off his fellow winter arrival, giving Vazquez his third goal for the Azulones.
Alex Berenguer ought to have restored parity from Gorka Guruzeta’s deep cross before the half-hour mark, but he could only send his diving header harmlessly wide in what proved to be Athletic’s only meaningful opportunity of a cagey first period.
Unimpressed with his team’s first-half display, visiting manager Ernesto Valverde - who will leave his role at the end of the season - summoned the attacking talent of Nico Williams in the hope of sparking a turnaround. However, rather than the visitors, it was the home side who threatened just after the restart, with Adrian Liso's driven shot forcing Simón to pull off a strong stop down low to his left.
Jose Bordalas’ determined charges soon turned their attention to protecting their advantage, allowing Athletic to dominate possession as their sturdy back five focused on guarding the box.
While it was not pretty, it ultimately proved to be a master plan, as the team with the league’s fourth-best defensive record negated their opponents' attacking threat before they added a second on a rare foray forward.
Satriano was on hand at the far post to tap in from Mario Martin's low cross, moving Getafe within four points of the top five, while Los Leones stay in 10th position.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Martin Satriano (Getafe)