Getafe are into the Conference League league phase after surviving a 2-1 loss to Partizán de Belgrado in Serbia and winning the tie 4-3 on aggregate. For Francho Serrano, it was another notable step in a run that has quickly become one of the main storylines of Getafe's European return: he made his third consecutive start and is now set for his first experience in European competition.
Francho Serrano keeps his place
Before the match, Francho Serrano had already started two consecutive games for Getafe, and Bordalás again trusted the former captain of Real Zaragoza from the opening whistle. He stayed on the pitch until the 68th minute, when he was replaced by Mario Martín. The appearance added another layer to what has been a steady run for the midfielder, who is now part of a Getafe side that will continue its season in Europe.
The fact that Francho Serrano is doing this in Europe matters because the source notes that this is his first time playing in European competition. That gives his current stretch extra weight, especially for a player who arrived with a strong domestic background and is now seeing that role expand on a bigger stage. His minutes also suggest Bordalás is comfortable leaning on him in a match that carried real pressure.
Getafe survive the second leg
Getafe did not need to win in Serbia to get through, but the 2-1 defeat made the second leg more tense than they would have wanted. Still, the 4-3 aggregate result was enough to send the club into the phase de liguilla, marking a return to Europe after several years away from European competition. For the club, that is the bigger headline: a place in the next stage and a chance to play meaningful continental matches again.
That broader context helps explain why this tie mattered beyond the scoreline. Getafe were not only trying to protect an advantage or chase a result; they were also trying to re-establish themselves in Europe after a long absence. The road back has now reached the league phase, and the team will move forward with a bit of momentum even after losing on the night.
Another European note elsewhere
Later in the same source, Samed Bazdar made his first start for Sint-Truidense in Cyprus against Omonia Nicosia. It was a separate storyline, but it fit the same theme of players finding fresh opportunities in European competition.
For Getafe, though, the main takeaway is straightforward. They are back in Europe, Francho Serrano has become a regular starter in the process, and his first run in continental football has already begun with a high-stakes qualification tie.
