Beating Sevilla lifts Getafe as they prepare to face Albion

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Albion go to Estadio Coliseum on Thursday for Matchday 3 in the UEFA Conference League.

Luke Nicoli

2026-11-05T05:00+00:00

The Estadio Coliseum where Getafe host Albion on Thursday night. 📷James Boardman

Getafe’s return to European football for the first time in seven years has brought excitement back to the Estadio Coliseum, but it has also presented coach Jose Bordalas with a considerable challenge.

Following last season’s seventh-place finish in La Liga, the modest club – based in the south of Madrid – has been facing the demands of competing on three fronts this season.

And while a number of new faces have been thrust straight into the side, six players have also left the club, leaving Bordalas to question the strength in depth of his squad earlier in the season.

As a result, the ‘Azulones’ have picked up just three victories from their opening 11 matches, all coming at home.

It's matchday three in the UEFA Conference League tonight with Albion up against Getafe at the Estadio Coliseum. 📷James Boardman

Maximum points came against Racing Santander on the second matchday of the season and against Malaga on 20 September, both by 1-0 scorelines.

Victory also came against Sevilla on Sunday, with goals from Enes Unal, Martin Satriano and Orel Mangala securing confidence-boosting 3-1 win.

Bordalas’ side have also won their opening Copa del Rey fixture, beating regional side Lebrijana 3-2, but on the European stage, they have yet to find their rhythm.

Getafe edged past FK Partizan 4-3 on aggregate in Conference League qualifying, but in the league phase they opened with a 1-1 draw against Romanian side Universitatea Craiova - whom Albion face at the Amex later this month - before suffering a disappointing 5-2 home defeat against Swiss outfit Lugano.

The new signings to have featured regularly to date include Mario Martin from Real Madrid, Zaid Romero (Club Brugge), Ramon Terrats (Villarreal), Johan Mojica (Mallorca), Francho Serrano (Zaragoza), Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla) and the experienced Dani Carvajal, also from Real Madrid.

A name familiar to the Premier League, striker Unal, has returned to Getafe following an 18-month stint at Bournemouth and has netted four goals this term.

With so many changes, it has inevitably taken time for Bordalas to imprint his trademark high-pressing, highly-competitive ethos on the players. However, he is hoping Sunday's victory can provide a turning point in the season.

"The team showed a very good side that is the way forward,” he said. “I've told the players that this has to be the example of what needs to be done in every match.

"I am very happy for the boys; they needed it. I congratulate them. This has to be a first step towards continuing to improve and grow.

"They did it with a lot of courage and a lot of ambition. I always try to be positive because I must be an example for the whole team and maintain optimism... but the team are the ones who really needed this, even more than me."

Looking ahead to Albion’s visit, the coach added: “Brighton will arrive in Madrid on a high... they are the leading scorers in their division. I've told the players that this [the Sevilla win] has to be the example of what needs to be done in every match.

“I believe this victory is going to open their eyes and make them realise exactly what we must do on a football pitch.”