The hosts had the better reward for their work when Assad Al-Hamlawi scored in the 59th minute, putting pressure on Getafe to respond. José Bordalás’ side eventually found their equaliser through Gudelj in the 81st minute, the midfielder producing the kind of strike he has scored from distance before.
Bordalás was not fully satisfied with the result, believing Getafe needed to turn their performance into a victory. He nevertheless recognised the quality of their opponents and the challenge posed by the atmosphere in Craiova.
“We needed to start winning, so I’m not satisfied with the draw. The team showed character, but we found it difficult to play directly and lacked accuracy in front of goal,” the Getafe coach said.
He insisted that the Romanian side had not caught him by surprise, pointing to their development in recent years and the talent in their squad.
“Craiova didn’t surprise me. I knew they were a team that had grown in recent years, with talented players and an incredible atmosphere. I knew it would be a difficult match.”
The equaliser came from a player capable of scoring from distance, and Bordalás credited Gudelj for getting his side back into the game.
“Gudelj has scored goals like that from distance before, and thanks to him we got the equaliser.”
The match also carried an emotional subplot involving Gică Craioveanu, who represented both clubs during his playing career. Supporters in Craiova unveiled a tribute to the former forward before kick-off, and Bordalás was asked about the club legend after the match.
“He is a legend in Spain. He played for several clubs and is very loved at Getafe. He is a legend; we all remember him. He was a magnificent footballer and a magnificent person,” Bordalás said.
The draw gave Getafe a point to begin their European campaign, but the Spanish side will know there is room to improve in the final third after failing to convert their possession and attacking spells into more clear-cut opportunities.
Craiova, meanwhile, could take encouragement from pushing their La Liga opponents throughout the contest, even though Gudelj’s late intervention denied them a winning start.