Newcastle United will be facing off against Southampton in the FA Premier League on Saturday, 17th August 2024, with kick-off at 15:00. Their opponents, Getafe CF, a Spanish side, will be the final pre-season friendly for the Saints. Let’s take a closer look at who Getafe CF is and their journey through the Spanish Leagues.
The roots of Getafe CF trace back to 1946 in Madrid as Club Getafe Deportivo. Unfortunately, they never made it past the Segunda Division and faced financial troubles in 1982, leading to liquidation. However, the current club, Getafe Club de Fútbol, was established in 1983 through a merger of two local clubs in the Getafe suburb of Madrid. Starting in the regional leagues, they climbed the ranks and faced another crisis in 1997. Despite the challenges, they persevered and moved to their current home stadium, Estadio Coliseum, in 1998. The 16,500 capacity stadium is situated in the Getafe suburb of Madrid, approximately 7 miles south of the city center.
In 2003/04, Getafe CF made it to La Liga, marking a significant achievement within 20 years of their establishment. They remained in the top flight until 2015/16 when they were relegated. However, they swiftly returned and have maintained their position in the Spanish top flight ever since. While they typically secure a mid-table finish in La Liga, they have had moments of success, with their highest position being 3rd. Getafe CF has also qualified for the UEFA League three times.
Known as Marea Azul or Azulones, Getafe supporters have grown in numbers alongside the team’s success. With 18 peñas (supporter clubs) and 12,000 socios (associates), the fan base continues to expand. Notable figures like former Real Madrid player Francisco Pavón, as well as Fernando Alonso and Rafael Nadal, have been spotted at matches in the Coliseum.
Unlike the main Madrid teams Real Madrid and Atletico, as well as Real Vallecano, Getafe CF’s natural rivals are Leganes, another Madrid suburb located just 3 miles to the West. As Leganes has been promoted to La Liga for the upcoming season, the rivalry between the two teams is set to reignite.
This background on Getafe CF provides valuable insight into the upcoming match on Saturday. It’s clear that the Spanish side has faced challenges and successes on their journey through the leagues, making them a formidable opponent for Southampton. As both teams prepare to take the field, fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive game.
