Following their successful opening match against Red Star, FC Lugano are preparing for their first away fixture of the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League. On Thursday 22 October, at 6.45 pm, the bianconeri will face Getafe CF at the Coliseum Stadium, on the outskirts of Madrid, on Matchday 2 of the group stage. It is a clash against a La Liga side, which is returning to European competition this year after a six-season absence.
FROM RED STAR TO THE MADRID CHALLENGE
Lugano go into the match on the back of a particularly strong run of form. The 3–2 comeback victory against FK Crvena Zvezda at the Lugano Arena, thanks to goals from Albian Ajeti, Dereck Moncada and Anto Grgić, allowed Mattia Croci-Torti’s side to kick off their European campaign with three points. This result was followed on Sunday by a 4-0 away win against Pully Football, which secured their place in the round of 16 of the Swiss Cup.
On this latest occasion, the bianconeri manager changed all eleven starters from the European match, receiving positive responses even from the players who had seen less action. This is an important sign in managing a packed schedule, with Lugano competing on three fronts whilst simultaneously topping the Brack Super League with 28 points after ten matchdays.
In his post-match comments following the Swiss Cup fixture, Croci-Torti singled out the clash with Getafe as the most challenging fixture on paper among the six scheduled in the League Phase. The trip to Spain therefore represents a significant test for the bianconeri, who will be looking to build on the results and performances of recent weeks.
THE OPPONENT
Founded in 1983 and promoted to the top flight of Spanish football for the first time in 2004, Getafe has established a solid presence in Spanish football over the last twenty years. Among the most significant achievements in its history are two consecutive Copa del Rey finals, reached in 2007 and 2008, and several appearances in UEFA competitions. Their most prestigious campaign dates back to the 2007/08 season, when the Spanish side reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, before being knocked out by Bayern Munich. In their most recent European campaign, in 2019/20, Getafe beat Ajax in the Europa League round of 32, before being knocked out by Inter in the round of 16.
The team, managed by José Bordalás, secured their place in the current UEFA Conference League by finishing seventh in La Liga 2025/26, before going on to beat Partizan Belgrade in the play-offs. Their League Phase debut ended in a 1–1 draw away at Universitatea Craiova.
In the league, however, Getafe currently sit 14th with 9 points after nine matchdays, having recorded two wins, three draws and four defeats. In their most recent fixture, played on Monday at the Coliseum, they drew 1-1 against Rayo Vallecano.
For Getafe, the match against Lugano will be their first home game in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League. The two sides thus go into the clash in different positions in their European campaigns: three points for the Bianconeri following their victory over Red Star, and one for the Spaniards after their draw in Romania.
MEDICAL UPDATE
Ahead of the trip to Madrid, FC Lugano will be without Renato Steffen. During training, the player experienced discomfort in his left leg. Medical examinations have revealed a strain to the flexor muscles in his left thigh. His availability will be assessed depending on how the injury progresses.