Getafe lose 2-1 in Belgrade but seal Conference League league phase spot

Getafe survived the Belgrade cauldron and came out alive. José Bordalás' side lost 2-1 away at Partizan, but that scoreline was not enough for the Serbians after the 3-1 first-leg result in Spain. With the tie settled by a 4-3 aggregate score, the Madrid club will be in Friday's draw for the Conference League league phase and will play European football for the fourth time in their history, their first since the Europa League six years ago.

Enes Ünal's goal that settled the tie

The Turkish striker is in red-hot form and proved it again in the toughest moment of the match. With Getafe trailing 1-0 and Partizan pushing forward, Ünal struck in the 70th minute from a corner taken by Ramón Terrats, controlling the ball with his thigh before firing home with his left foot. It was his third goal in as many games, having scored in the first leg and in the league win over Racing de Santander.

Partizan push hard and take the lead through Jeh's screamer

The Serbian side came out determined to unsettle Getafe from the opening whistle, playing on the edge of the rules with a raucous home crowd behind them. In the first half, the Madrid team barely got out of their own half. Demba Seck carved out a dangerous run that ended with the ball hitting the post, and the VAR disallowed a headed goal from Stefan Milic for offside following a free kick.

The Serbian pressure intensified after the break. Igor Miladinovic forced David Soria into a save and, moments later, Jeh capitalised on a loose ball from Ramón Terrats in Getafe's build-up play to unleash a fierce, placed shot into the net. Getafe were on the ropes, but Enes Ünal responded immediately with a chance that goalkeeper Milos Krunic denied with his leg.

Getafe suffer until the end: Partizan's 2-1

The joy of Ünal's goal was short-lived. In the 76th minute, substitute Erik Kojzek latched onto a Miladinovic assist, controlling the ball with his chest before finishing to put Partizan back ahead. Getafe sat deep and Mario Martín tried a tight shot to avoid a nerve-wracking finale, but the visitors held on until the final whistle to secure qualification.

Bordalás' tactical switch that turned the tide

With Getafe struggling early on, Bordalás made his move. He replaced Georgian centre-back Saba Sazonov, who had been booked and was the only change from the first leg due to the suspension of Abdel Abqar, bringing on Andrés García. The tactical adjustment helped the team grow into the game, and Orel Mangala nearly scored in first-half stoppage time with a shot that grazed the post.

What comes next for Getafe in the Conference League

Bordalás' side will be in Friday's draw for the Conference League league phase. It will be the club's fourth European campaign after previous appearances in the UEFA Cup and Europa League. The new format, with a single 36-team league instead of a group stage, guarantees Getafe at least six continental matches to keep dreaming.