Josè Bordalas's Getafe 4-4-2 2nd in La Liga, Won Cup

Hi guys,
this time I emulated Josè Bordalas's Getafe 2024-25 tactic on Football Manager 2024.

La Liga: Tactical Analysis of Getafe’s Direct Play Under José Bordalás

In recent years, La Liga has often delivered surprises in terms of team performances, with some sides defying expectations—for better or worse.

1. Philosophy and Identity
Getafe is arguably the most “anti-establishment” team in La Liga. Under José Bordalás, they’ve become a well-oiled war machine—built not on possession or individual flair, but on structure, intensity, and physical battles. Every movement serves to take time and space away from the opponent, and to strike quickly—often through direct play.

2. Formation and Tactical Setup
Primary system: 4-4-2

Alternatives: 4-2-3-1 in attack; 4-1-4-1 when sitting deep

The two banks of four move together in tight, compact blocks. The strikers either initiate the first line of pressure or remain ready to break forward after each recovery.

3. Possession Phase and Direct Build-Up
Getafe avoids building from the back. Short combinations are rare; physicality is key.

Goalkeeper David Soria is central to this system: he frequently launches the ball long toward forwards or advanced midfielders.

The defensive line plays high, too far from the keeper to receive short passes—so long balls are a structural feature.

Typical pattern:

Soria plays a long ball.

The striker (Mayoral or Uche) wins the aerial duel or flicks it on.

A teammate picks up the second ball, allowing the team to advance.

Play continues vertically, with few touches, until the team nears the box.

Objective: Progress quickly up the pitch and consolidate possession around the final third.

4. Positional Attacking and Crosses
Whenever possible, Getafe looks to deliver early crosses from the final third, especially via the full-backs.

The full-backs push up wide, but rarely reach the byline—instead, they prefer early crosses into the box.

These crosses aim for flick-ons or second balls, rather than direct shots.

With two strikers and supporting midfielders arriving in the box, Getafe creates physical presence and chaos.

This is a direct, no-frills attacking style focused more on quantity than finesse.

5. Defensive Phase
Two compact lines, minimal space between them.

Aggressive marking and selective pressing.

Strong in individual duels, especially aerial battles.

The back line is mobile: it steps up when the opponent slows play, and drops back quickly when facing through balls.

6. Defensive Transition: Smart Mid-Block
After losing the ball, Getafe rarely presses immediately.

Instead, they quickly retreat into a mid-block, forming two tight lines that protect the central areas.

The aim: Force opponents to play wide, where:

The touchline acts as an “extra defender”

Options for dribbling or passing become limited

The full-backs push up slightly toward the wingers to close gaps between lines.

If the opponent breaks past midfield:

The back line retreats at pace

The midfield follows, preserving shape and closing central spaces

Getafe deliberately avoids gegenpressing, opting instead for structured containment—a calm, calculated transition strategy.

7. Key Players
David Soria: Goalkeeper and first playmaker, launching accurate long balls

Borja Mayoral: Mobile striker, useful in aerial duels and flick-ons

Uche / Juanmi Latasa: Target men, crucial for knockdowns

Mauro Arambarri: Brings balance, pressing intensity, and verticality

Domingos Duarte / Djené Dakonam: Defensive anchors, physically dominant

8. Strengths
Dominant in duels—especially aerial

Well-drilled, solid defensive organization

Cynical, structured transitions

Set pieces and crosses as constant weapons

9. Weaknesses
Virtually no short build-up play

Low passing accuracy and ball retention

High disciplinary risk (fouls and cards)

10. Conclusion
Bordalás’ Getafe is a team built for battle. Every action is physical, vertical, and strategic. They don’t charm with technique—they suffocate with structure. From Soria’s long ball, to Mayoral’s flick-on, to early crosses and a retreating defensive line: every piece of the system favors effectiveness over aesthetics.

Facing them is a tactical war of attrition—and only the most patient and technically clean teams survive.


If you want to read my tactic analysis both for FM24 and the real tactic analysis you can do it on my patreon here where after subscribing you can also download other tactics.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/127024562


Or you can read both in my website here

FM 24: https://sites.google.com/view/fmcalciomaestro/football-manager-hub/football-manager-2024/tactics-emulations/il-getafe-2024-25-di-jos%C3%A8-bordalas-su-football-manager-2024

Getafe tactic: https://sites.google.com/view/fmcalciomaestro/tactic-analysis/spanish-la-liga/il-getafe-2024-25-di-jos%C3%A8-bordalas


If you want to see how this tactic works in Fm, more details, analysis of my highlights, stats and how to create a savegame starting from June 2024 please watch my youtube video here


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