Getafe begin their European campaign in Romania on 15 October, with Universitatea Craiova providing the first test on the road to Istanbul. The Conference League match at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium kicks off at 18:45, and the Spanish side arrive intending to take all three points from their opening fixture.
Quick facts
- Competition: UEFA Conference League
- Match: Universitatea Craiova v Getafe
- Venue: Ion Oblemenco Stadium, Craiova
- Date and kick-off: 15 October, 18:45
- Referee: David Smajc
- VAR official: Aleksandar Matkovic
Getafe hand responsibility in attack to Borja Mayoral, while Martín Satriano starts from a wider role. The forward, signed during last season’s winter window, has settled quickly and offers movement across the front line, with his late runs into the box expected to be a key route to goal.
David Soria starts in goal behind Andrés García, Djené, Valou and Davinchi. Gudelj and Francho form the central midfield pairing, while Terrats, Mario Martín and Satriano support Mayoral.
Universitatea Craiova set up with three centre-backs and four midfielders, looking to make their home ground count against a side playing its first continental match of the season. Al Hamlawi leads their attack, with Alexandru Cicâldău and Ștefan Baiaram operating around him.
Baiaram is among Craiova’s principal threats from the left. The young winger combines well in tight areas and has a strong record of finding the net, giving the hosts an outlet capable of turning a transition into a decisive moment.
Popescu is selected in goal for Craiova, with Romanchuk, Stevanovic and Screciu making up the back three. Samuel Teles, Lameira, Baluta and Bancu occupy midfield, behind Cicâldău, Al Hamlawi and Baiaram.
Teams
Universitatea Craiova: Popescu; Romanchuk, Stevanovic, Screciu; Samuel Teles, Lameira, Baluta, Bancu; Cicâldău, Al Hamlawi, Baiaram.
Getafe: Soria; Andrés García, Djené, Valou, Davinchi; Gudelj, Francho; Terrats, Mario Martín, Satriano; Mayoral.
Craiova’s substitutes include Maxim, Sava, Crețu, Roux, Nsimba, Heriberto Tavares, Elisor, Basceanu, Matei and Webster. Getafe have Letáček, Ferrer, Sazonov, Abqar, Boselli, Kiko Femenía, Mojica and Risco available from the bench.
For Getafe, the Romanian evening is more than an away opener: it is the first step of a European week that begins in Craiova and carries the distant target of Istanbul.
