Barcelona hosted Getafe tonight, aiming to get the 3 points and add more pressure on Real Madrid, who will have to win in Bilbao later. Almost 80,000 fans came to the Camp Nou tonight to witness the league leaders vs a very defensive and tough side from Madrid. Moreover, with Lewandowski and Ferran out and with Memphis recently leaving, Xavi missed some of the attacking power he has in the squad. Furthermore, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo had some discomforts, so it made sense to keep them out and save them for the cup match vs Real Sociedad.
The game started with Barcelona keeping possession and Getafe defending and trying to score in transition.
At the 4th minute, Unal broke in behind and forced a strong save from Ter Stegen with a low strike. Mayoral tucked the rebound inside the bottom-left corner. However, the linesman denied Getafe, as Unal was offside from the initial pass.
At the 8th minute, came the first clear chance for Barcelona, as Getafe GK Soria saved Dembele’s shot.
Afterwards, Barcelona pretty much controled the game, and Getafe tried to make things harder. And they did a good job. However, at the 35th minute, it was Barcelona that attacked in a transition. Kounde, who had a great game today, passed the ball to Raphinha. The Brazilian gave a quick pass from the left wing, and Pedri was there to score the goal.
Few minutes before half time, Pedri made a massive error and passed the ball to Getafe’s attack. Former Madrid player Borja Mayoral received the ball in a 1V1 vs Ter Stegen. However, the German GK made a huge save.
At half time, Barcelona lead the game, although Getafe made it tough for them.
Second Half
At half time, Xavi made 2 changes. Andreas Christensen left the field due to minor discomfort in his left hamstring. He should be fine for the next game. Balde also left the field, and Alba came in.
At the second half, Barça looked tired and slow, and had a hard time finding spaces to attack. Meanwhile, Getafe kept on defending, and to score in transition. It took them until the 74th minute to get a clear chance, as former La Masia player Carles Alena moved the ball quickly to the wing. Damian Suarez tried to find Mayoral’s head, but the striker couldn’t find the target.
Minutes before the end, Dembele passed the ball to Kessie, who cut inside the box and had a clear chance to score. However, the Ivorian midfielder shot the ball straight to the goalkeeper’s hands.
At the end of the day, Xavi and the players get the job done in a bad performance. Moreover, Ter Stegen once again with a clean sheet.
Now, Barça are 6 points above Real Madrid, that will try to get closer by winning in San Mames.
