Getafe is not exactly known as the most football-playing team, but José Bordalás' men took it to the extreme on Wednesday. The 15th-placed team in La Liga struggled significantly against fourth-division side Pontevedra, managing only sixteen (!) percent possession in that cup match.
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Under José Bordalás, Getafe has forged an identity that has become infamous across European football: a team that thrives on chaos, resistance, and psychological warfare.
Through a combination of relentless fouling, strategic time-wasting, and tactical gamesmanship designed to frustrate and unsettle opponents, Getafe has carved out a niche as one of the most challenging teams to play against. Their philosophy isn't about possession, fluid football, or dazzling skill; instead, it’s about grinding opponents down mentally and physically, leaving little room for rhythm or flow. This approach was on full display in their Copa del Rey match against Pontevedra, a fourth-division side, where Bordalás' tactics were pushed to their very limits.
Football fans in the Netherlands vividly remember Getafe’s uncompromising style when they eliminated Ajax from the Europa League in 2020. That tie became notorious for the absurdly low amount of effective playing time, with Getafe doing everything in their power to break the game into fragments, denying Ajax any chance to impose their free-flowing style. What seemed like an extraordinary approach back then has since become routine for Bordalás' men. Whether they face La Liga giants or lower-league minnows, the game plan remains consistent: defend as though your life depends on it, exploit every opportunity for disruption, and capitalize on moments of chaos.
This stubborn philosophy was evident again on Wednesday when Getafe clashed with Pontevedra in the Copa del Rey. Despite the gulf in league standings, Getafe approached the match with the same defensive mindset. They took an early lead within two minutes, courtesy of Álvaro Rodríguez, which perfectly suited Bordalás' game plan. The goal came from a quick, clinical move, and once the ball hit the back of the net, Getafe collectively decided to park the bus for the remaining 88 minutes. For most teams, this approach might seem excessive against a fourth-division side, but for Bordalás and his men, it’s all part of the strategy.
What followed was a battle that can only be described as quintessentially Getafe. The match was littered with stoppages, fouls, and interruptions. The referee was kept busy, issuing a total of nine cards to Getafe players, including two red cards. Rodríguez, the goalscorer, saw red just before halftime for a rash challenge, leaving his team a man down for the entirety of the second half. Despite this setback, Getafe held firm, doubling down on their defensive resilience. Diego Rico added to the drama late in the game when he received a second yellow card, reducing Getafe to nine men. Even then, the team showed no intention of altering their defensive stance.
Statistically, the game painted a stark picture of Getafe's extreme approach. The team registered just sixteen percent possession, completing only 79 passes compared to Pontevedra's 674. Their pass accuracy was a dismal 53 percent, a figure that underlines their lack of interest in maintaining control of the ball. Getafe had fewer attempts on goal, lower Expected Goals (xG), and fewer corners than their fourth-division opponents. Their touches in the opposition penalty area were minimal, and their goalkeeper was far busier than Pontevedra's. At one point, Pontevedra hit the post, nearly equalizing and potentially changing the game’s trajectory. Yet, despite all these shortcomings, Getafe clung to their narrow lead with the tenacity that has become their hallmark.
For Bordalás, the statistics are secondary to the result. Getafe may not have played beautiful football, but they secured what mattered most: a win. This victory marked their third consecutive triumph, and more importantly, it earned them a spot in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. While critics may decry their style as anti-football, there’s no denying its effectiveness. For a team battling in the lower half of La Liga, progress in the cup is a significant achievement.
The match against Pontevedra also highlights an ongoing debate about Getafe’s place in modern football. On one hand, their unapologetically pragmatic approach is a reminder that football is a game of results, not aesthetics. On the other hand, it raises questions about the balance between gamesmanship and fair play. Opponents often leave the pitch frustrated, fans are divided in their opinions, and neutrals either admire their grit or criticize their negativity. Regardless of where one stands, it’s clear that Getafe under Bordalás is a team that leaves no one indifferent.
As the Copa del Rey progresses, Getafe will undoubtedly continue to embrace their identity as disruptors. Their journey to the quarterfinals has already proven that they can survive and thrive in adverse conditions. Whether they face another underdog or a top-tier La Liga side in the next round, one thing is certain: Getafe will not deviate from their philosophy. Love them or hate them, they’re here to compete on their terms, and as long as the results keep coming, Bordalás and his men will have no reason to change.
Updated: 10:50, 16 Jan 2025
