Getafe faces English side Reading this Friday, July 17, at the Oliva Nova Sports Resort, in an international friendly that will help continue their preparation for the new season.
The team, managed by José Bordalás, is approaching its third pre-season test with the intention of giving minutes to all players and starting to consolidate their playing system. After the initial training sessions, the blue coach aims to assess the physical condition of the squad and test tactical variations against a significant opponent like Reading, who competes in the English League One.
A demanding opponent to measure the blue progress
The Reading, competing in the third tier of English football, arrives at this friendly with the same need to gain competitive rhythm. The match, held at the neutral ground of Oliva Nova Sports Resort (Valencia), provides an ideal setting for both teams to test their strengths away from the pressure of their fans. For Getafe, the match is an opportunity to assess the level of new signings and academy players looking to make their mark in the first team.
The Madrid club has planned an intense pre-season, with several friendlies scheduled to be in top form for the start of LaLiga. The match against Reading is the first of two they will play this week, before facing another British team. Bordalás intends for all players to have at least 45 minutes on the pitch.
Where to watch Getafe – Reading and schedule
The match will kick off at 19:00 hours (Spanish peninsular time) and can be followed through the club's official channels, as well as on sports streaming platforms. Getafe fans who cannot travel to Oliva Nova will be able to follow the minute-by-minute updates on the club's website and social media. Entry is free for members who come to the resort, with a limited capacity of 1,000 spectators.
The Oliva Nova Sports Resort, a sports complex located in the Valencian town of Oliva, has become a regular destination for teams conducting pre-season training camps in recent years. Its top-notch facilities allow for a combination of physical training and friendly matches in a privileged environment.
Tactical keys of the friendly
Bordalás plans to field a starting eleven with the most experienced players in the early days of training, although he will introduce the newcomers in the second half. The blue coach wants to see the team's response in high pressing and ball distribution, two aspects he works on intensively in each session. Meanwhile, Reading arrives with a physical and organised block, accustomed to the intense rhythm of English football.
For Getafe, these types of matches are essential to fine-tune their machinery before the league begins. The blue fans closely follow every detail of the pre-season, hoping the team maintains the defensive solidity that has characterised them and improves in attack. The clash against Reading will serve to draw initial conclusions about the team's real state.
The club has announced that there will be no live television broadcast, but real-time updates will be provided through the official accounts. Supporters in the area can approach the field and watch the match live, as long as they respect the resort's access rules.
“We are in a phase of building the team, and every minute of competition is valuable for gaining rhythm and automatisms,” say sources from Getafe's coaching staff.
The result of the friendly is not the most important thing, but the team will seek victory to build confidence. Bordalás has already warned that pre-season is for working, not for winning, but a good result always helps create a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. Getafe wants to arrive at the first league match in the best possible condition.
After this match, Getafe will continue their preparation with another friendly next Wednesday, and then travel to Germany to participate in a pre-season tournament. The schedule is demanding, but the goal is to be ready for the league debut, expected in mid-August. Getafe fans are eagerly waiting to see their team compete again in LaLiga.
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