Granada faced off against Getafe on January 3, 2024, at the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium for the Copa del Rey, but unfortunately for the home crowd, Granada fell short with a final score of 0-1.
The match, part of the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament, promised excitement but turned out to be dominated by tactical play from both sides. Getafe's Borja Mayoral emerged as the match hero, scoring the only goal during extra time, sealing his team's progression to the next round.
Throughout the match, Granada showcased their defensive strength, with players like Giorgi Tsitaishvili making notable contributions. For over 90 minutes, Granada maintained its defensive poise, fending off Getafe's attempts to take the lead. The game remained highly competitive, with both teams exchanging turns on offense but unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Granada had their moment to shine early on and seemed poised to take control when they came close to scoring but failed to convert. Their first real chance came just before the end of the second half when Diego Marinho's well-placed shot went just wide of the post.
By the time extra time rolled around, the tension on the pitch was palpable, but it was Getafe who struck first, courtesy of Mayoral's deft finishing. The goal came against the run of play, catching Granada off guard at a moment when they seemed to be on the verge of breaking the deadlock.
After Mayoral's goal, Granada pushed for an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted by the resilient Getafe defense. Getafe's coach, José Bordalás, praised his squad's composure and tactical execution necessary for securing the victory.
Post-game analysis highlighted the fact Granada had shown flashes of brilliance but fell victim to their inability to finish. Coach Fran Escribá emphasized the team would regroup and address the shortcomings displayed during this match, focusing on enhancing their attacking strategies going forward.
The loss for Granada was disappointing, especially after their promising string of performances leading up to this match. They had previously defeated Cortes 2-0 and were seeking to pull off another upset against higher-tier opposition.
Granada fans left disappointed but still hopeful about their team's potential to bounce back. Meanwhile, Getafe's fans celebrated their team's success, projecting confidence as they look forward to their upcoming matches, including the next round of the Copa del Rey.
With this win, Getafe advances to the round of 16, potentially setting them up against yet another competitive opponent. Will their victory over Granada signal the beginning of a deep cup run?