Barcelona rebound from Champions League humiliation

FC Barcelona defeated Getafe 2-0 on Sunday in the final home game of the season behind goals from Arturo Vidal and an own goal from Getafe.

Ernesto Valverde chose a strong side in the home finale for Barca with Luis Suarez, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, and Clement Lenglet being the only changes from the collapse in Anfield on Tuesday. Suarez missed this game due to injury as he had a knee operation while Ter Stegen and Lenglet were rested. Barcelona started the game on the attack as Getafe set up to counterattack and allow the home side to keep the ball.

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Barcelona finally broke through in the 39th minute after Sergi Roberto was fouled on the right wing which led Lionel Messi to step up and put a cross into the box that found Gerard Pique which was saved by David Sorio, the Getafe keeper, but was put into the back of the net by Arturo Vidal. Barca continued to put the pressure on the visitors for the remainder of the half. Malcolm got a shot off in the 42nd minute with his a left footed shot from inside the box which was only kept out thanks to a kick save from Sorio.

Barca finished the first half controlling the game with 86% possession as Getafe sat back and looked to counter but the visitors were held without a shot on goal. Barca managed four shots on goal. Sergio Busquets and Philippe Coutinho both drew the ire of the home crowd as they both struggled with keeping the ball and both heard whistles throughout the first half. Coutinho did manage to create a chance in the 58th minute as Pique made a run into the box but a loose control saw the ball fall to Malcolm who saw another save made by Soria.

There was no backlash at Camp Nou today. Not really. A complete contrast from social media. No calls for Valverde to leave, not that I heard anyway. Only jeers for Coutinho (which was happening pre-Anfield) and a few tepid whistles when #Barça gave ball away.
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) May 12, 2019

Finally, Barcelona made the first change of the game in the 61st minute with Carles Aleña coming on for Ivan Rakitic. Rakitic received a warm reception as he exited the Camp Nou for what could be the final time as a Barca player. In the 68th minute, Abel Ruiz made his La Liga debut as he came on for what appeared to be an injured Coutinho. Despite the whistles, Coutinho was applauded as he left the pitch after suffering jeers in the first half. The final change for Valverde’s men saw Nelson Semado replace Malcolm as Barca looked to see out their 1-0 lead. Roberto pushed up the right side as Semado took over at right back. Messi finally helped to assure Barca of the victory in the 90th minute as he played a lovely combination with Roberto before Mauro Arambarri deflected into his own net as he tried to clear it out of Messi’s path.

FC Barcelona will close the season on the road against Eibar. Following the La Liga finale will be a Copa del Rey final against Valencia as they look for the domestic double.

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What are your predictions for the Copa del Rey Final between Barca and Valencia?