Getafe host Brighton at the Coliseum at 21:00 on matchday three of the Conference League league phase, and the form line is tilted toward the visitors. Brighton are third in the Premier League with 19 points after nine rounds, they lead the division with 24 goals, and they have not conceded a goal in the Conference League. Getafe have one point from two games, after drawing 1-1 with Universitatea Craiova and losing 2-5 at home to Lugano.

Brighton's attacking edge

The domestic numbers are why Brighton arrive looking like the stronger side. Third place and 19 points do not happen by accident, and 24 league goals is the best return in the Premier League. The +17 goal difference adds to that, but the more striking detail is the split between their league form and their European one, where they have kept clean sheets so far.

Fabian Hürzeler has Brighton playing with a clear attacking edge, and the Conference League results have backed that up without forcing them into a different shape. They beat Manchester City 0-1 at the Etihad Stadium with a goal from Ayari, then carried that level into Europe, where the defensive record has stayed intact. José Bordalás was direct about the scale of the task, saying to Relevo, in comments translated from Spanish: "We know that it is one of the most in-form teams in Europe, not just in the Premier League."

Getafe's response after a poor start

Getafe are already in a tight spot in the league phase. One point from two matches leaves little room for another slip, and Bordalás called it "a challenge of maximum difficulty". That is not hard to argue with when the opponent has been scoring freely and has not allowed a goal in the competition.

The one encouraging note for Getafe is the emotional lift from their win against Sevilla, which Bordalás said "has been very good for us emotionally". But emotion will not be enough on its own against Brighton's current level. If Getafe are going to make this a contest, they need to be far cleaner at both ends than they were against Lugano.

Brighton have the clearer margin for error, and the only real question is whether that edge shows again in Spain. Getafe need points fast, Brighton arrive with 24 league goals and a spotless European defensive record, and the match at the Coliseum is set for 21:00 on Thursday.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →