While the larger Madrid teams take the majority of the headlines, one of the smaller Madrid clubs pulled off an unbelievable achievement as Getafe secured a place in the Europa League next season. Jose Bordolas's team secured a 5th placed finish in La Liga after a tremendous campaign virtually spent in the European places.
Bordolas's reign at Getafe continues to get better and better. He brought them up from the Segunda division and then stabilised them in their first season back. Now the Getafe players and fans can now start planning a tour of Europe with Europa League football on the horizon. Bordolas has built a squad that are hardworking, extremely difficult to beat and resilient until the end. A team full of experience that has defied expectations in the last two seasons. A team of experienced campaigners mixed with youth and unknown talent has a team come together beautifully. The hard work isn't over yet with a big season ahead and no doubt Getafe will want to make an impression in Europe next season.
Bordolas has relied on experienced campaigners throughout his time at Getafe and their key importance to the team has seen them find a new gear even in the latter stages of their careers. Forwards Jorge Molina and Angel Rodriguez have been reliable figures for Bordolas and have played a significant role in the club's rise to Europe. Even at the age of 37, Jorge Molina seems to be getting better and better. The veteran striker played in all of Getafe's league games last season scoring 14 goals and setting up 5 others. The striker has been a magnificent servant to Getafe and he will want to aid Getafe even more next season. 32-year-old Angel Rodriguez will also be looking to play a key role once again next season. The striker notched 8 goals and set up 3 others in his 37 games. Getafe's experienced heads spread across the team. Full backs Damian Suarez and Vitorino Antunes are into their early 30s but seem to have a spring in their step as they enter the latter stages of their careers. Bordolas heavily relies on his full backs to break down the play and put in crosses for his two strikers. Antunes and Suarez were outstanding last season and no doubt their form will be key to their chances of success next season.
While the experienced figures have been vital, Bordolas's clever transfer business has been integral to their success. Jaime Mata, David Soria, Leandro Cabrera and Djene have been instrumental this season in Getafe's success. Prior to this season, forward Jaime Mata had been plying his trade in the lower leagues of Spanish football and played a key role in Valladolid's promotion. Getafe snapped him up on a free transfer and it certainly proved one of the best signings as in his debut La Liga season, he notched 14 league goals and set up 6 others. Mata was tremendous and he will be looking to go even better next season with Getafe's fixture list becoming more congested. At the other end of the pitch, Bordolas added the impressive David Soria from Sevilla. Very much second choice at Sevilla, Soria arrived with the intentions of becoming number 1 and he is firm fixture in the Getafe team. The goalkeeper made 37 appearances last season for Getafe and was the crucial cog in their defence. Getafe's centre-halves also enjoyed a tremendous season. Leandro Cabrera and Djene have formed a brilliant partnership in the heart of the Getafe defence forming a formidable partnership many La Liga attacks have struggled to get past. Djene in particular has impressed with his endurance, strength and pace and being 27-years-old, he is very much in his prime. The Togo international had a tremendous breakthrough season and Getafe will be desperate to keep him in the summer with some of Europe's bigger clubs circling.
Getafe had a tremendous 2018/19 season and things are only going to get more exciting with the Europa League on the horizon as the small Madrid club emerges from the shadows to test their much larger neighbours. A sensational season for Getafe and the anticipation for the new season will already be in full swing for the Getafe faithful.
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