Christantus Uche’s journey from the fifth division of Spanish soccer to the top tier is a testament to hard work and dedication. Just two years ago, he was playing for Moralo, a fifth-division club. Last year, he joined Ceuta, a third-division side, for a reported transfer fee of 800 euros (now $877).
On Thursday, Uche made his La Liga debut for Getafe, a dream come true for the 21-year-old Nigerian midfielder. He scored a crucial goal with a firm header from near the penalty spot after a corner kick in the 64th minute, helping Getafe secure a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
“I’m feeling so good,” Uche said after the game. “To score a goal in my debut is amazing. I’m really happy.”
Athletic Bilbao, the defending Copa del Rey champion and a potential contender for the title this season, had taken the lead in the 27th minute through Oihan Sancet.
Meanwhile, Girona, the surprise team of last season, opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Real Betis. Gabriel Misehouy equalized for Girona in the 72nd minute, after Marc Bartra had given Betis the lead in the 6th minute. Girona’s success last season, which saw them finish third and earn a Champions League spot, may be difficult to replicate this year due to the departures of several key players, including Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Garcia, Savinho, Eric Garcia, and Yan Couto.
Betis also enjoyed a strong previous season, finishing seventh.
The opening weekend of La Liga also features defending champion Real Madrid, who have added Kylian Mbappe to their squad. They will begin their campaign on Sunday against Mallorca. Barcelona will face Valencia on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid will travel to Villarreal on Monday.
