Getafe away is traditionally one of the more difficult trips for Barcelona
, and with seven wins in their last 10 La Liga games, the Madrid side were in form.Though their 1-0 victory against Copa del Rey winners Real Sociedad came without them even having a shot on target, it showed that Jose Bordalas’ team still knows how to grind out a victory.
It’s that stubborness along with a physical way of playing that’s often proved too much for the Catalans to overcome, however, with Real Madrid only having
drawn against Real Betis on Friday night, Barca had the chance to go 11 points clear and give themselves the best possible chance of winning the title once again.
Let’s take a look at three talking points from the game…
Five-man defence didn’t cause as many problems as usual
Let’s face facts. Against teams that play the low block, even a full-strength Barcelona usually struggle for long periods to create anything when all the opponent is intent on doing is sitting back and defending for their lives, before trying to hit you on the break.
It wouldn’t have come as any surprise to culers that Bordalas would adopt such tactics, as he’s done it time and again when playing the Blaugranes.
To the visitors’ credit, they did carve out a number of chances across the 90+ minutes, and the two goals that were scored were no more than Barca deserved.
If Dani Olmo had taken his chances, however, Barca would’ve been home and dry well before Marcus Rashford made the game safe.
Fermin highlights his importance to Barca
Another game, another goal for Fermin Lopez.
The attacking midfielder never really disappoints, whether it’s thanks to his industrious playing style or the knack he has for scoring important goals.
Fighting fire with fire in this game was always going to be necessary, and thanks in part to Fermin’s all-action performance, the visitors were kept at bay.
Surely, Hansi Flick has to find more permanent employment for Fermin in future starting line-ups?
Opportunity taken as Barca extend lead to 11 points
Plenty of times in the past when Real Madrid have offered up the chance of a gift, Barca have failed to take advantage.
Against Getafe at the Coliseum, a ground where the Catalans hadn’t won since 2019 let’s not forget, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Saturday’s fixture would be another one of those occasions.
As it turned out, Barca were very good value for the victory, thanks to a battling performance in which each player did their bit.
The carrot for the team now is to win the next two games and celebrate the league title at Camp Nou when Real Madrid are in town.
