Belgrade need a big comeback: Partizan vs Getafe prediction
The second leg of the Conference League qualifying play-off between Partizan and Getafe will take place on 27 August at Partizan Stadium in Belgrade. The Serbian club lost the first meeting 3-1 and must now win by at least two goals to take the tie into extra time.
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Partizan: European comeback attempt amid a club crisis
The first match in Spain left Saša Ilić's side in an extremely difficult position: after Demba Seck's goal brought the Belgrade club level, they conceded twice more late on. Things are not going any better in the Serbian league, where Partizan sit 12th after five rounds with four points, having scored seven goals and conceded nine.
The situation is further complicated by serious tension within the club: after a 3-1 defeat to Mladost Lučani, Ilić resigned, although he agreed to remain in charge for the European second leg. Before the trip to Spain, however, their continental campaign had been considerably more successful, with Partizan winning four of their previous five Conference League matches.
Getafe: two-goal advantage allows for a pragmatic approach
José Bordalás' side laid a strong foundation for qualification with a 3-1 home victory. Enes Ünal opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and after the visitors equalised, Andrés García and Johan Mojica gave the Madrid side a comfortable advantage late in the match.
After an opening La Liga defeat to Alavés, Getafe also managed to lift their spirits with a victory over Racing Santander. The Spaniards now simply need to manage their advantage intelligently to return to the main stage of a European competition for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Getafe won the first meeting 3-1.
- Partizan have lost their last three matches in all competitions.
- Enes Ünal has scored in Getafe's last two matches.
The hosts' risk could play into the Spaniards' hands: Partizan vs Getafe prediction
Partizan need to attack from the opening minutes, as overturning a two-goal deficit with a cautious approach is impossible. However, the Serbians' current form and the situation surrounding the team make the task much more difficult, while the need to take risks will inevitably leave space behind.
Under Bordalás, Getafe are capable of building their game around discipline and defensive organisation while protecting a comfortable aggregate advantage. The Spaniards should get opportunities on the counter-attack and look strong enough not merely to sit back and defend their lead.
