Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Getafe CF was another statement of intent, as they’ve now won 11 of their last 13 LaLiga home games. Despite the defeat, the visitors still have their best points total at this stage of the season, a testament to their gritty performances.
The game at the Estadi Johan Cruyff kicked off in torrential rain, which meant some extra zip on the passes being played by both sides, and a lively, if chaotic, start to the contest.
The Catalan giants controlled possession with ease, restricting Getafe to occasional forays upfield. A typical gritty showing from the visitors, led by a steadfast defensive line, was frustrating the hosts in the early stages. However, Barcelona’s fluid attack eventually broke through. A particularly incisive incursion from Pedri was diverted wide thanks to a last-ditch clearance, but in the very next attack, a stunning pass from Raphinha and a backheel from Dani Olmo put the ball on a plate for Ferran Torres to guide home.
As the half-hour mark approached, Robert Lewandowski was inches away from scoring Barcelona’s second, but Pedri’s ball into the area was just a little too quick for the Polish international. Fortunately, just a few moments later, a long ball upfield from Eric Garcia caught Getafe cold. Raphinha’s subsequent pass to Torres gave the winger time and space to finish low and accurately to David Soria’s right, doubling the lead.
Both Lewandowski and Olmo went close as the first half came to an end, with Torres also smashing a fierce shot against the crossbar, narrowly missing a first-half hat-trick.
Getafe started the second half with renewed energy, and Javi Munoz gave the hosts a fright with a shot fizzed just wide of Joan Garcia’s upright. Shortly after, Domingos Duarte’s free header needed to be gathered by the Barca keeper. Getafe grew further into the game as the hour mark approached, with the hosts taking their foot off the accelerator, though it was Olmo that came closest to adding to the score with a vicious free-kick that was always rising on its trajectory towards goal.
Soon after, a great break and cut-back from substitute Marcus Rashford picked out Olmo, and his daisy cutter knocked the stuffing out of opponents who were looking to gain a foothold. To Getafe’s credit, they remained competitive, but Rashford’s pace and power were starting to pay dividends for the hosts.
With no further goals scored, Getafe returned to Madrid having still never won against Barcelona in LaLiga, a run of 22 meetings in Catalonia with 18 losses and four draws.
