Getafe secured a 3-1 victory over Partizan Belgrade in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie at the Coliseum stadium on Thursday, August 20, 2026, putting the Spanish club on course to reach the European group stage. Colombian full-back Johan Mojica delivered a decisive performance on his European debut for the side, scoring a goal from outside the penalty area and assisting a teammate.
Following the win, Mojica spoke about the team's performance during an interview on Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE with host Joseba Larrañaga. The Colombian defender highlighted the collective effort of the dressing room, explaining that he considers himself a consummate professional whose dedication is rewarded on the pitch.
Mojica also revealed a personal promise he fulfilled during the European encounter. Prior to the match, he had told Turkish striker Enes Ünal during his official presentation that he would set him up with an assist on his debut, a commitment he successfully delivered when he provided the pass for Ünal to score.
Getafe CF is a Spanish professional football club based in Getafe, a city in the Community of Madrid. The club plays its home matches at the Coliseum and competes in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football. Partizan Belgrade, based in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, is one of Serbia's most prominent football clubs. The UEFA Conference League is an annual European competition featuring top-performing clubs across the continent.
Demanding training under coach José Bordalás
During his interview with Antonio Pérez del Castillo, Mojica admitted that joining head coach José Bordalás at Getafe has brought a significant physical shock. Having completed only two training sessions with the Madrid squad before his debut, the defender confessed with a laugh that he needed a five-hour nap to recover after finishing his first training session, noting that he had not trained at such an intense level in years.
Bordalás is a veteran Spanish football manager from Alicante known for establishing high physical standards, tactical discipline and aggressive defensive play at Getafe. Mojica explained that he fits the manager's tactical vision well, stating that Bordalás values street-smart players with strong character who command respect in their defensive zone, qualities the full-back views as central to his own style of play.
The Colombian international demonstrated those attributes during Thursday's play-off match. In addition to defensive duties, Mojica struck a spectacular long-range shot from outside the box to find the net, celebrating the goal with a distinctive sequence on the pitch.
Vocal leadership and physical exhaustion on the pitch
Mojica emphasized that his commitment on the field extends beyond scoring and assisting to constant tactical communication. He admitted that anyone who has played alongside him knows he routinely finishes matches almost completely hoarse from continually shouting instructions to organize the players around him.
That active leadership role often leaves him exhausted at the final whistle, but Mojica stressed that maintaining constant communication across the backline is essential for Getafe's defensive stability.
Warning ahead of the return leg in Belgrade
Looking forward to the second leg of the play-off in Serbia, Mojica issued a clear warning to his teammates about the hostile environment awaiting them. He described the atmosphere and pace created by the supporters in Belgrade as a cauldron that will test Getafe's resilience.
Although the 3-1 scoreline at the Coliseum provides Getafe with a solid two-goal advantage, Mojica insisted that the team must approach the return match with total seriousness. He concluded that Getafe must deliver a disciplined performance in Serbia to officially book their place in the Conference League proper.
