Getafe secured a 3-1 victory over Partizan Belgrade in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday. As reported by Foot Mercato's live coverage, the Spanish side took a significant step towards the group stage with a commanding performance at the Coliseum Stadium.
Referee Andris Treimanis oversaw the match, which kicked off at 21:00 on August 20. Manager José Bordalás set his team up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, with David Soria in goal and a defensive trio of Z. Romero, A. Abqar, and D. Dakonam. Up front, the attacking duties fell to M. Satriano and striker E. Ünal.
How did the match unfold?
Getafe controlled the game from the start and took the lead in the first half. Partizan, managed by S. Ilić in a 3-4-3 system, tried to react but found a well-organized defensive wall. The second half confirmed the home side's dominance, as they extended their lead to the final 3-1 scoreline. This result puts the Azulones in a very strong position ahead of the return leg in Serbia.
The win provides a key morale boost ahead of the start of LaLiga. Fans can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page. The team showed solidity in both defense and attack, an aspect Bordalás has worked on intensely during pre-season.
Who were Getafe's key performers?
Goalkeeper David Soria made several important saves to preserve the advantage. In midfield, the work of O. Mangala and Ramón Terrats was essential in linking defense and attack. Francho Serrano and Kiko Femenía provided width and penetration down the flanks, creating numerous dangerous chances.
In attack, the presence of Enes Ünal is always a guarantee of goals. The Turkish striker, alongside Uruguayan forward Matías Satriano, constantly pressured the Serbian defense. The team's offensive effectiveness can be analyzed in more detail in our club stats.
What does this result mean for the season?
This victory brings Getafe closer to the Conference League group stage, a clear objective for the club this season. Qualifying would mean additional economic revenue and greater visibility in Europe. It also allows the team to build momentum and confidence before the start of the domestic campaign.
The squad's good form is positive news, especially considering the injuries list that often affects the team throughout the year. Bordalás will now have to manage a schedule with midweek matches, which will test the squad's depth.
Getafe's next commitment is the return leg in Belgrade, scheduled for the following week. European qualification would mark a significant milestone in the recent history of the Azulones.
