Getafe returns to continental competition after six years of absence, with a first challenge in the Conference League against Universitatea Craiova. The visit takes place on October 18 at 6:45 p.m. at the Ion Oblemenco stadium, after the 3-0 defeat against Barça that left José Bordalás' team with the need to regain its momentum and show that they can still compete in Europe.
The signing of Dani Carvajal, officially announced on Tuesday, comes at a time when the club needs to strengthen its attack. The Real Madrid full-back, who will join Getafe until the end of the season, will not be able to participate in the opening match because he is not registered in the competition. Carvajal, for his part, is working to get fit and is expected to make his league debut the following Monday, when Getafe face Rayo Vallecano.
In the current season, Getafe has shown a weak offensive performance, with only four goals scored in the first eight rounds of the League and ten goals conceded. This figure contrasts with the defensive solidity that usually characterizes the teams led by Bordalás. In addition, the schedule is demanding: after the European match, the team will have to play three more matches in a single week, including the next rounds against Rayo Vallecano and Lugano.
Universitatea Craiova comes to the competition with a good recent record, having avoided defeat in 13 of their last 15 official matches and won seven of the most recent twelve. The Romanian team will have players like Popescu, Romanchuk, Stevanovic and Screciu, while Getafe will have its coach José Bordalás and players like Gudelj, Terrats, Francho, Mario Martín and Satriano. The referee will be David Smajc from the ESL.
Getafe coach José Bordalás will have to deal with a reduced squad due to injuries. Only 16 players from the first category are available, to which are added three players from the reserve team who will join the first team. In addition, the club maintains four key pieces in Madrid – Orel Mangala, Enes Unal, Iván Azón and Zaid Romero – who could be available if they recover. Borja Mayoral, who is a step up on the reserve list, is expected to play an important role in the team's first European match.