Mark Hughes’ Bantams fell to their first defeat of pre-season, losing 3-0 to La Liga side Getafe with over 200 City supporters in attendance.
In searing temperatures at the Oliva Nova Sports Center, and at least 45 minutes for 21 different players, two first-half goals and a further after the break saw the Bantams beaten, after an intense week of training at the Pinatar Arena.
City’s Spanish top-flight opponents started the stronger, and took the lead just three minutes in as Borja Mayoral worked space inside the area, rounding Harry Lewis and tapping into the empty net from close range.
El Geta then looked the extend their advantage 10 minutes later, squandering two chances in quick succession as Juan Iglesias sent an effort over, before Antony Lozano steered wide of the target having been played through.
City grew in confidence, and had a great opportunity to equalise moments later, when Andy Cook knocked down for Tyler Smith, who forced a smart stop from David Soria in the Getafe goal.
Getafe remained a threat, however, and doubled their advantage, just before half-time. Neat play around the edge of the area saw Iglesias pick up the ball on the far side and find the bottom corner.
City’s defence kept being called into action as the opening period drew to a close, with Clarke Oduor alert to avert danger as pressure mounted.
With 10 changes at the break, the Bantams came back out with a renewed optimism in their hunt to get on the scoresheet. Minutes after the restart, Jamie Walker went to the ground in the area, but despite City’s cries for a penalty, the referee played on.
Hughes’ men’s best chance came just after the hour mark, as Brad Halliday’s cross-cum-shot was spilled by the Getafe goalkeeper, only for Matt Derbyshire to poke the rebound over from close range.
The Spanish outfit were further in front 10 minutes later however, as a corner was only cleared as far as Sergi Altimira on the edge of the area. The substitute’s effort was deflected, and found its way past Lewis.
City continued to battle and look for their goal in the final 20 minutes, but the La Liga side’s quality showed as they closed out a comfortable victory.
CITY (FIRST HALF): Harry Lewis; Matty Platt, Sam Stubbs (c), Ciarán Kelly; Daniel Oyegoke, Alex Pattison, Ryan East, Alex Gilliead, Clarke Oduor; Tyler Smith, Andy Cook.
CITY (SECOND HALF): Harry Lewis; Brad Halliday, Luke Hendrie, Ash Taylor, Timi Odusina, Liam Ridehalgh; Emmanuel Osadebe, Richie Smallwood (c), Jamie Walker; Matt Derbyshire, Bobby Pointon.
GETAFE (FIRST HALF): David Soria; Juan Iglesias, Domingos Duarte (booked 44’), Omar Alderete, Fabrizio Angileri; Antony Lozano, Djene, Nemanja Maksimovic, Santiago García; Portu, Borja Mayoral.
GOALS: Mayoral (3’), Iglesias (37’), Altimira (71’).