Nobody said it was going to be pretty. No match against Getafe ever is. However, without their key attacking players, Barcelona managed to get the three points and title is just within their reach.
How it happened:
The first half had all the hallmarks of the warning: Getafe sitting deep, fouled often and gave Barcelona no room whatsoever. Flick's team struggled to establish rhythm in front of a back five, set up to clog the entire field, and the Coliseum was performing exactly as Bordalas had planned it would.
Then Pedri found Fermin Lopez with a wonderful through ball in the dying minutes of the first half. Fermn Lopez takes his one chance with one touch, and makes it 0-1. It is just enough going into half time for Barcelona.
In the second half it was the same until Barcelona made a deadly counter. Lewandowski delivered a ball to Marcus Rashford traveling at full pace towards the final third, and the English forward fired a bullet into the top corner; 0-2. Game over.
Player ratings:
Joan Garca- 7.0: Untested but composed and commanding when called upon.
Jules Kounde- 7.0: Solid defensively, tidy on the ball,.
Pau Cubars- 7.5: Dominant in the air, read game well, and handled the physical opponents easily. His goal line clearance in the second half was crucial for Barcelona's victory.
Gerard Martin- 6.5: Had moment of concern in the first half with feeling unwell but managed and sound defensively on a difficult afternoon.
Joao Cancelo- 7.0: Showed no sign of injury from last match, reliable and energetic on the flank.
Gavi- 7.0: Put in an industrious performance demanding of the occasion, won the battles and was the engine for the midfield.
Pedri- 8.0: Assisted the goal with a lovely through ball and ran the game at all times. Controlled the midfield at all times.
Roony Bardghji- 6.5: Decent start in a high-pressure environment, his energy is a great attribute and gave the Getafe back line plenty to think about.
Dani Olmo- 6.5: His energy was fantastic in tight spaces and despite not showing best of ability on the ball, caused problems for Getafe's defenders.
Fermin Lopez- 8.0: Calm and composed finishing for the opener and excellent throughout the match before being subbed out. His best performance of the season by far.
Robert Lewandowski- 6.5: Held the line well, assisted others in play but didn't really get any clear chances.
Substitutes:
Marcus Rashford- 7.5: Game sealer after being subbed on. Proved to be an excellent impact sub and showed why he deserves more respect.
Alejandro Balde- 6.5: Added legs and width to the match late on.
Marc Casado- 6.5: Solid defensively and helped Barcelona see out the match with professionalism.
The bigger picture:
The match wasn't meant to be glamorous, and it definitely wasn't pretty. Barcelona showed how they can win without their top two main players, against an opponent at a stadium they'd had so little success against.
Particularly an opponent which recently achieved history, winning a game without a shot on target.
Next up is the El Clasico and potentially Raphinha returning, it's crunch time.
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