Getafe play Barcelona tomorrow in La Liga and do not expect a football match. Expect a war of attrition. Jose Bordalas has constructed the ultimate haram ball operation; sit deep, kick every ball, waste as much time as possible from the get-go and celebrate a 1-0 win like you just lifted the Champions League. No fancy play required here. They are purely interested in the three points.
Take a look at their last fixture; Getafe beat Real Sociedad 1-0 away from home: Real Sociedad who just beat Atletico and won the Copa del Rey. What’s shocking is that they had 'Zero' shots on target. Zero.
This was the first time in the history of La Liga that a side won a match without even recording a single shot on target. They parked the bus and fouled every available opposition player they could throughout the game and got the victory. Typical Bordalas.
This is exactly what the test will be for Hansi Flick's side tomorrow. Flick said what needed to be said at his press conference today. "They are defending really good and when you see the last 10 games, they are the second in the table. They have their own philosophy."
Flick clearly knows what's in store, "For us important tomorrow is that we have the rhythm that we have decided. That we make not so many mistakes. We want to win. We have to play a fantastic game."
You know what Bordalas' sides will be about. Long balls into the box, set-pieces and fouls on every occasion. Players will hit the deck. The referee will have his work cut out and the game will flow slower. Getafe will aim to try and provoke errors from Barcelona and pinch the victory through either a counter-attack or a dead ball situation.
Flick also briefly discussed the squad situation, with various injuries around the camp, especially of Lamine Yamal recently, but underlined that everyone must give "100% or more". There’re no excuses to be made here.
Barcelona sits at top comfortable in La Liga, but games like these are where league titles can be thrown away through poor discipline. Getafe do not play football. They play anti-football.
We will be seeing two different styles of football clashing tomorrow. One side wanting to keep the ball and play football, the other looking to completely kill the flow of the game and stop any action from occurring.
Flick's message was loud and clear to his squad; they need to be decided, disciplined and not make mistakes. Barcelona should comfortably have the three points if they keep their rhythm and patience throughout the game and not get caught up in the mess.
Any dip in concentration and Getafe will gladly take a point, perhaps even nick three. The message from Flick's press conference was straight to the point. Respect the opponent. Prepare for one of the dirtiest games you'll play all season and go and get the win. This is what tomorrow demands.
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