Getafe coach Bordalas set for Valencia trip for first time since axe

Getafe CF coach José Bordalás returns to Mestalla for the first time since his departure from Valencia CF, who he coached in the 2021/22 season.

Valencia CF are ninth on 37 points, while Getafe CF are 11th on 35 points, making this a key match in the race for a European ticket. The match will also bring up other reunions with players' former clubs: Maksimovic, Alderete, Ilaix Moriba and Yellu for Getafe CF, and Hugo Duro and Foulquier for Valencia CF.

Matches between Valencia CF and Getafe CF have been particularly vibrant in recent years. There have been several high-voltage encounters between these two teams who have been competing for similar objectives in recent seasons, and the intensity of these clashes has given rise to a unique rivalry.

Ahead of this weekend's duel, José Bordalás will undoubtedly be at the centre. Born in Alicante, the province next to Valencia, the coach who just turned 60 has become one of the most high-profile figures in Spanish football. After spending most of his managerial career in the dugouts of more modest clubs, he achieved his first promotion to LALIGA EA SPORTS level with Deportivo Alavés in 2016, even if he wasn't kept on for that project for the following season. But, after he got the call from Getafe CF, who had just gone down to the second tier and were struggling, the rest is history.

During his first stint as coach of Getafe CF, from 2016 to 2021, he made a huge impact on the team's fortunes. It was during this period that the curious rivalry with Valencia CF began, as his Getafe CF side became a very difficult one to beat.

The coach led Getafe CF to promotion, to qualification for the UEFA Europa League and to a Round of 32 victory over Ajax. With all that on his CV, Bordalás