For this last game this Saturday in La Liga, FC Barcelona moved on the lawn of Getafe. The opportunity for Ronald Koeman’s men to return to the top of the league with Real Madrid after the recent disappointment of the Madrid players on their home turf a little earlier in the evening (0-1). Especially since it was important for the Culés to start a new series of victories after the draw conceded on their turf the previous day against Sevilla (1-1), to also prepare the best for the reception of Ferencvaros on Tuesday in the Champions League.
Getafe’s players had to get their heads out of the water after being given a scathing 3-0 by Real Sociedad residents in their last match. To do this, the club from the suburbs of Madrid opted for a fairly classic 4-4-2 with Jaime Mata and Cucho Hernandez both partners on the front of the attack. On the Barca side, the Dutch technician opted for his traditional 4-2-3-1 with Neto in place of Ter Stegen in goal. Sergio Dest was also in attendance, as were the Frenchmen Dembélé and Griezmman. Messi and Pedri completed the Catalan offensive line.
Jaime Mata crucifies Barca
In this early game, both teams were watching each other. The locals carried out a large dry cleaner from the outset to keep the visitors’ block at a distance. If FC Barcelona had their hands on the ball, it was Getafe’s players who had the most dangerous opportunity for the first twenty minutes. Found on the right by Hernandez, Maksimovic attempted a volley from close range but saw Neto push back the leather without trembling (19th). An opportunity that led to the awakening of the Pulga. On the action that followed, Lionel Messi, well served by Sergio Dest, followed up with a heavy strike that ended his run on the left post of the opposing goalkeeper. Barca was increasingly dangerous and Griezmann was close to opening the scoring on the half-hour mark.
But as too often since the beginning of the season, the Frenchman lacked lucidity in the last gesture and saw his shot pass over the goal (30th). Both teams returned to the locker room with a scoreless draw (0-0). In this second act, the Barcelona is came back with good intentions but were surprised at the hour of play. Frenkie de Jong, who made a foul on Dakonam, conceded a penalty that was not short of Jaime Mata’s perfect counter-foot. The Catalans were pushing to get back into the game but it was the locals who were getting the best opportunities. Cucurella and Hernandez were close to widening the gap but lacked success in the final act (79th, 84th, 89th). With this defeat, Barca is in 7th place in the standings.The winner of the evening is Real Madrid’s new runner-up.