Star midfielder Pedri capped a dominant display with the only goal of the game as the Liga leaders extended their advantage over Real Madrid.
Pedri was the star of the show as Barcelona beat Getafe 1-0 to move six points clear at the top of La Liga, for the time being at least.
The visitors proved as physical as expected, treating both Pedri and Gavi to a series of kicks and trips for the majority of the game.
The Blaugrana had few chances, as a result, but took their one gaping opportunity 35 minutes in, when Pedri converted a cross from Raphinha.
Barca also needed some help from Marc Andre ter Stegen, who made two crucial stops to keep Getafe out.
But there could have perhaps been an extra goal or two for Barca, had Franck Kessie and later Ansu Fati showed more composure inside the box.
Still, it was a mostly steady showing, with Pedri and Gavi ensuring that the Blaugrana maintained pole position in the title race…
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Pedri:
The young Spaniard gets better to watch with each passing game, and is becoming an increasingly versatile midfielder. Last week, as Barca won the Spanish Super Cup, he was a pure attacking midfielder, getting into advanced positions with a defensive duo behind him. This time out, he was a box-to-box no.8, winning tackles, breaking up play and holding everything together. In a contest that required composure, Pedri was the epitome of cool. It helped, of course, that the 20-year-old also grabbed the winner, meeting Raphinha's cross with a well-timed slide. But his impact here was bigger than the scoreline suggests.
Sergi Roberto:
Roberto is an odd fit in this Barca squad. At 30, he's a few years ahead of the young core steadily developing in front of him. He's also not as quick or agile as the kind of advanced full-back Xavi prefers. But he's experienced, reads the game with aplomb, and can always be counted on to put in a shift. With Ronald Araujo rested, and Jules Kounde shifted to centre-back, Roberto filled in at right-back wonderfully. There were one or two scary moments, highlighted by a misjudgment on a Getafe counter-attack that almost saw a goal go in. But it was otherwise a solid 77 minute showing, which is exactly what Barca needed from their veteran.
Sergio Busquets:
Seven hundred appearances and counting. Not bad. The captain has now been a first-team regular for over 10 years and he was as reliable as ever on his milestone appearance for the Blaugrana. Busquets touched the ball more than any Barca midfielder, completed 92 per cent of his passes, and made seven recoveries. He seldom dominates games and certainly doesn't have the legs he used to, but in scrappy, testy contests like these, the ageing Spanish midfielder is a real difference-maker. Busquets might not have too many more showings in a Barca kit; a summer exit seems likely. This game, then, was a reminder of what Barca might miss.
AdvertisementGettyThe Losers
Jordi Alba:
Is the left-back slowly being phased out? It certainly seems like it. Alba ceded his starting spot to Alejandro Balde for the second time in three games, and simply wasn't on the same level as his positional rival when he was brought on in the second half. This was by no means a terrible showing from Alba. He was steady in possession, eager to get forward, and lashed one shot on goal. But his athleticism is waning, while Balde looks to be rounding into a more complete full-back. There's something a bit sad about watching a club legend see his playing time reduced, but Alba's days as a guaranteed starter appear numbered.
Real Madrid:
There are relatively few home fixtures in which Barca might drop points, but this is usually one of them. Getafe are very difficult to beat. Furthermore, with Robert Lewandowski still suspended and the visitors set up with their usual defensive grit, this was undoubtedly a potential banana skin for the Blaugrana. But they found a way to win, which is a blow for Real Madrid, who will likely have hoped Getafe could have done them a favour ahead of their evening encounter with Athletic Club, particularly with a trip to the Club World Cup round the corner.
GettyBarcelona Ratings: Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen (7/10):
Made one crucial save to hold on to a 1-0 lead late in the first half. Did it again in the second, and exercised some clever gamesmanship late on.
Sergi Roberto (7/10):
Has made it clear that he wants a new deal, but will likely be a squad player going forward. Still, did well enough here to suggest he can fill in whenever needed.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Impressive in the air, reliable on the ball, and opened up his stride to make a few recovering tackles. One of the best in Europe when he's on it.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Not the most assured showing, and left Barca vulnerable on the counter once or twice. Removed after 45 minutes with a hamstring issue.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Preferred to Jordi Alba, a selection choice that may well become common as the season goes on. Relentlessly bombed down the left. Taken off at half-time after a good shift.
GettyMidfield
Gavi (7/10):
Did all the dirty work in midfield, flying into tackles and causing a sort of controlled chaos. Was solid on the ball, too, and had some lovely moments of link-up play with the front three.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Celebrated his 700th Barca appearance with a satisfying win. Solid as ever.
Pedri (8/10):
Scored the winner, controlled the game, and kept his head despite getting kicked all over the place. The best player on the pitch.
