Nemanja Gudelj rescues Getafe after Craiova take the lead

Getafe fell behind to Universitatea Craiova before Nemanja Gudelj struck from distance to secure a 1-1 draw in Romania in their UEFA Conference League opener. The Spanish side avoided defeat and began its European campaign with a point. Craiova, meanwhile, pushed its La Liga opponents throughout the match, but Gudelj’s late intervention denied them a winning start. Getafe will need to turn more of its possession and attacking spells into clear chances.

José Bordalás made no secret of his frustration after the match. “We needed to start winning, so I’m not satisfied with the draw. The team showed character, but we found it difficult to play directly and lacked accuracy in front of goal,” the Getafe coach said. He also acknowledged the quality of the opposition and the challenge of playing amid the atmosphere in Craiova.

“Craiova didn’t surprise me. I knew they were a team that had grown in recent years, with talented players and an incredible atmosphere. I knew it would be a difficult match,” he added. Bordalás also praised Gudelj’s ability to score from distance: “Thanks to him, we got the equaliser.”

Before kick-off, Craiova supporters unveiled a tribute to a former forward. Asked about the club legend after the match, Bordalás called him “a legend in Spain”, beloved at Getafe, and praised both the footballer and the person.