Last Thursday marked a special occasion at the Enguera sports facilities, where SIA Academy hosted a prestigious guest: Getafe Club de Fútbol, a team from Spain’s top division. This friendly match, part of the preparation for the renowned Marenostrum tournament, was far from a simple exhibition game. It served as a real test of character, competitiveness, and talent for the young players of SIA Academy.
The match had an added attraction with the participation of several players from the Easter Week Campus, who seized the unique opportunity to prove their worth in a high-demand environment. Against a top-tier rival, the team showed personality, commitment, and high-quality football, securing a well-earned 2–2 draw that left extremely positive impressions moving forward.
Table of contents
First half: intensity, pressure, and a wonder goal to dream on
From the opening whistle, the match was played at an unusually high pace for a friendly. As expected, Getafe looked to dominate possession, but they were met with a well-organized and highly ambitious SIA Academy side that kept their lines compact and pressed high up the pitch.
The SIA Academy coaching staff had clearly prepared the team well, and the players were not intimidated by their opponent’s name or reputation. The orchestrated high press disrupted Getafe’s rhythm and made it difficult for them to play comfortably.
In this context of balanced play, the first major moment of the match came just after the half-hour mark. Joaquín B., SIA Academy’s left winger, produced a stunning strike from outside the box — a powerful, curling shot into the top corner, completely out of the goalkeeper’s reach. It was a moment that captured the spirit of the team: bravery, skill, and determination.
However, the lead didn’t last long. Just minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty to Getafe after a contested incident in the box. The visiting side converted from the spot to level the score. Despite the setback, SIA Academy stayed focused and continued creating chances, showing great energy and intent going into the break with the game tied.
Second half: reaction, leadership, and full commitment
The second half picked up right where the first left off — high intensity and ambition from both sides. It was clear that neither team was content with a draw. The match evolved into a full-fledged contest between two well-prepared squads, offering a display of top-level technical and physical football.
In the 54th minute, Getafe showcased their quality with a beautifully executed direct free kick that gave them a temporary 1–2 lead. It was a challenging moment for SIA Academy, yet the team responded with impressive resilience. Rather than backing down, they pushed harder, led by their captain Mauricio P., who controlled the tempo in midfield and inspired his teammates with his leadership.
The well-deserved reward came in the 65th minute. Following a brilliant team move, Joaquín B. was again at the heart of the action. His shot was parried by the Getafe goalkeeper, but Francesco C. reacted quickest to tuck in the rebound and equalize at 2–2.
From that point on, SIA Academy remained defensively solid, showing great tactical maturity. They even created more chances to win the game, particularly through the lively Edgar C., who made several dangerous runs down the wing. However, the scoreline remained unchanged.
Final thoughts of the match between Getafe and SIA Academy
The final result was a fair reflection of what happened on the pitch. For SIA Academy, the 2–2 draw felt like a victory. The team didn’t just compete against a La Liga side — they did so with their own style, showing a well-defined identity and the ability to play at a high level.
This encounter reaffirmed that SIA Academy is full of potential, with young talents ready to take on big challenges. It was the perfect test ahead of the Marenostrum tournament and a clear sign that the daily work at the academy is bearing fruit.
It’s also worth noting the exemplary behavior from both teams, who played with intensity and sportsmanship throughout. The match unfolded cleanly, with no major incidents, highlighting the mutual respect and competitive spirit that defined the event.
SIA Academy MVP: Joaquín B.
Among many standout performances, Joaquín B.’s display shone brightest. Operating from the left flank, he was a constant threat to Getafe’s defense. He scored a wonder goal and played a key role in the second, showcasing his talent, pace, and determination. His energy and commitment were contagious, and his performance was a true example of what a modern footballer should be.
