Racing go to the Coliseum knowing Getafe will ask the hardest kind of question. José Alberto has already made it clear that this is a match which demands adaptation, and with Felipe injured and Giorgi Guliashvili still not ready for the squad, the visitors are set for only limited changes in Getafe vs Racing Santander.
That matters because Getafe are rarely a side that allows opponents to settle. José Alberto described them on Friday as a team that “lleva la competitividad a su máxima expresión”, and that is the right way to frame this trip: a duel-heavy match in which concentration, discipline and basic defensive reliability will matter as much as any attacking idea.
Racing must adjust without losing structure
The biggest immediate issue is Felipe’s absence. Racing’s defensive shape will need to change, and the obvious focus is on who comes into the back line to replace him. The list of available options includes Manu Hernando, Pablo Ramón and Facu González, but the wider point is not simply who starts. It is whether the replacement can handle a game that is likely to become physical very quickly.
José Alberto has already warned his players about the danger of getting dragged into unnecessary trouble. Yesterday he said the squad must be careful not to leave the team with ten men, and that warning fits perfectly with the challenge presented by Getafe. With red cards already appearing in both of their official matches this season, the match has the feel of one where emotional control could be decisive.
Iván Martín’s timing is the other question
There is also a fresh arrival to consider. Iván Martín has only had two training sessions, so the question is whether he will even be involved in the lineup. For a coach who has spoken about the need for the team to adapt, the temptation to use him immediately may be limited. This is not the sort of game where a player can be thrown in without enough preparation and expected to settle instantly.
José Alberto’s broader message has been simple: the team must adapt. That does not mean a complete rethink, though. The feeling around this visit is that Racing will remain close to their usual plan, with only a few likely adjustments around the enforced absence of Felipe and the readiness of the new arrival.
Getafe will also have the advantage of a familiar home atmosphere, even if the stadium situation is unusual. The club did not sell away tickets to visiting supporters because of works at the ground, which removes another layer of noise for the visitors. Racing will need to create their own calm and stay focused on the football.
Two official matches into the season, Getafe have already shown the kind of edge that can turn a game into a battle. Racing now have to show they can meet that challenge without losing their shape. If they do, José Alberto’s side can compete. If they do not, the physical side of the contest may quickly take over.
