Getafe returned to European competition on Thursday with their first Conference League match against Romanian side Universitatea Craiova, a game that marked the continental debut for midfielder Francho Serrano and was played without on-loan striker Iván Azón. José Bordalás's side, who had overcome Partizan Belgrade in the qualifying round, faced the tie at the Stadionul Ion Oblemenco with significant absences in attack.

Francho Serrano, who joined from Real Zaragoza in the final weeks of last summer after more than 200 appearances for the Aragonese club, experienced his first taste of UEFA competition. Until now, his only exposure to continental football had been in the Youth League with Zaragoza, where he faced players like Bradley Barcola, now at Liverpool. For Serrano, this step represents a stark contrast after suffering relegation to the Primera RFEF with his former team.

Attack depleted by injuries

A list of injuries shaped Bordalás's starting lineup. Alongside Azón, who did not travel due to recent physical discomfort and had already scored a decisive goal against Málaga, midfielder Orel Mangala and striker Enes Ünal were also unavailable. Defender Zaid Romero is carrying a muscular issue in his quadriceps from the match against Barcelona, and Juanmi Jiménez has knee discomfort.

With these absences, the manager opted for a five-man defence, with Kiko Femenía and Johan Mojica as wing-backs and a central trio of Djené, Nemanja Gudelj and Abdel Abqar. In attack, the main reference point was Uruguayan forward Martín Satriano. Right-back Dani Carvajal, signed after leaving Real Madrid on 30 June, is not registered for the Conference League, the same as Azón.

José Bordalás acknowledged the significance of the occasion before the match. "Es muy ilusionante este primer partido," the Getafe manager said.

Getafe's domestic context, sitting 14th in La Liga with 8 points from eight games, adds pressure to this European adventure. The team seeks points in the Conference League while aiming to improve their league form, with their next fixture at home against Rayo Vallecano.

More detail at sportaragon.com