CS Universitatea Craiova and Getafe played out a compelling 1-1 draw in their UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium on Thursday night. Both goals arrived in a frantic second half as the Romanian hosts fought back to earn a share of the spoils against their Spanish opponents.

Match Overview

Getafe started the brighter of the two sides, pressing aggressively and forcing Craiova into a series of early turnovers. The visitors took the lead in the 34th minute when Borja Mayoral latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Mauro Arambarri and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu. Craiova responded well, with Alexandru Mitriță and Elvir Koljić combining dangerously, but Getafe’s backline, marshalled by Djené, held firm until the break.

The second half was a different story. Craiova came out with renewed urgency, pushing their wing-backs high and pinning Getafe back. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Elvir Koljić rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Nicușor Bancu and powered a header into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Key Moments

• 34’ – Getafe take the lead. Borja Mayoral finishes clinically after a slick one-two with Arambarri.
• 52’ – Craiova nearly equalise as Mitriță curls a free-kick just wide of the far post.
• 78’ – Craiova level. Koljić’s towering header beats Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.
• 89’ – Getafe almost snatch a late winner, but Juan Iglesias fires over from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Tactical Story

Getafe set up in a compact 4-4-2, looking to frustrate Craiova and hit on the break through Mayoral and Mason Greenwood. Their low block worked for the first hour, but as the game wore on, Craiova’s numerical advantage in midfield – with Alexandru Crețu and Vladimir Screciu pushing forward – began to tell. The Romanian side finished with 58% possession and 17 shots to Getafe’s 9, a reflection of their second-half dominance.

Standout Players

• Elvir Koljić (Craiova) – The striker was a constant menace, scoring the equaliser and winning seven aerial duels.
• Borja Mayoral (Getafe) – Took his goal beautifully and linked play intelligently throughout.
• David Soria (Getafe) – Made five saves, including a stunning one-on-one stop from Mitriță in the 64th minute.

Group Stage Impact

The draw leaves both teams on one point from their opening two Group C fixtures, making their next matches crucial. Craiova will take confidence from their second-half performance, while Getafe will rue missed chances to kill the game off. The Spanish side remains unbeaten in the competition but knows that home victories are now essential if they are to progress.