Getafe advanced to the Conference League group stage after a hard-fought battle in Belgrade, as reported by El País Deportes on Thursday. José Bordalás's side lost 2-1 to Partizan in the away leg, but a 4-3 aggregate victory was secured by a goal from Enes Ünal.
The Spanish club, currently 10th in La Liga with 3 points from two games, faced a hostile atmosphere at Partizan's stadium. Around 25,000 fans, including the Grobari ultras, filled the ground. Bordalás started with a 5-3-2 formation but was forced into an early change. In the 37th minute, cautioned defender Sazonov was substituted, shifting the system to a 4-4-2.
How did the match in Belgrade unfold?
Partizan pressed from the start. Seck hit the post in the first half and Simic had a goal ruled out for offside. Getafe also created chances, with Mangala striking the woodwork. The deadlock was broken after a mistake. In the 52nd minute, Terrats lost possession and Jeh capitalized to make it 1-0. Goalkeeper Krunic also denied Ünal in a one-on-one situation.
The response came from a player in form. In the 68th minute, Enes Ünal headed in a corner from Kiko Femenía to equalize. It was the third consecutive match in which the Turkish striker has scored, following his goals in the first leg against Partizan and against Racing in the league. The joy was short-lived. Seven minutes later, Erik Kojzek scored the definitive 2-1 for Partizan, forcing Getafe to withstand a final onslaught.
What does this qualification mean for Getafe?
This aggregate win marks the fourth European campaign in the club's history. The team showed character to resist for the final quarter-hour in what El País described as a cauldron: "El Getafe encontró en Belgrado exactamente lo que esperaba: una caldera por fuera y un volcán por dentro." Referee Urs Schnyder officiated an intense match.
The qualification comes during a patchy start to the domestic league, where the team has scored one goal and conceded three. Furthermore, the squad faces its next La Liga fixture with significant absences. Christantus Uche and Juanmi are currently sidelined, complicating Bordalás's planning.
What is the next challenge for Bordalás?
The manager must now navigate a busy schedule. The next commitment is a trip to Pamplona to face Osasuna, who are seventh, on August 31. Check all upcoming matches on our fixtures page. The objective will be to improve defensive solidity, as the team has a -2 goal difference and trails league leaders Alaves by four points.
Continuing in Europe is an achievement, but the immediate focus returns to domestic competition. Getafe needs points to climb the table and consolidate a mid-table position, a challenge that will require maximum output from a squad that has already shown mental strength in difficult settings.
