Barcelona defeated Getafe 4-0 to move up to second place in LaLiga as Raphinha’s early strike got the ball rolling on a good day for Xavi Hernandez’s side, who move to within five points of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Many wouldn’t expect Getafe to offer much of a resistance against the Catalans at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, and that’s precisely what transpired when the Brazilian winger gave the home side the lead after 20 minutes.
A direct ball over the top from the Barcelona right back sent Raphinha through on goal after a well-timed run, and from the edge of the box he fired low into the goalkeeper’s right hand corner to gift his side the lead as his fine form continues.
Barcelona then dominated the half, racking up plenty of chances to extend their lead whilst they allowed Getafe barely anything. Despite that, they couldn’t put the game beyond the Madrid region side, and they entered half-time with a 1-0 lead.
But the second half would not be a similar story and it took just eight minutes for them to capitalize on their overwhelming play as Joao Felix doubled the advantage following a quick counterattack that saw Barcelona travel the pitch in a matter of seconds.
The final ball set Andreas Christensen, the centerback, through on goal and he wisely squared the ball across the face of the goal for the 24-year-old Felix to tap home from point-blank range to make it 2-0.
Then it got even sweeter as de Jong made it three on the hour mark. The mercurial Raphinha got an assist to go with his goal as he raced onto a through ball. But, smartly realizing the chance was gone for him when the goalkeeper rushed out, the Brazilian calmly passed the ball to the Dutchman for him to slot into an empty goal to seal the win.
Barcelona players celebrateEFE
Lopez then rounded off the rout by volleying home after the Getafe goalkeeper made a poor save from a low effort in the dying embers of the game, making it a 4-0 win and a message to all those around Barcelona that they’re here to stay.
LaLiga standings after the win
Real Madrid still leads the way in LaLiga despite the victory for Barcelona, as they hold a five point advantage (62 to 57) over their rivals. It is worth noting, however, that Real Madrid have a game in hand.
Barcelona, meanwhile, depose Girona to go second as the minnow’s slump in form continues, although Girona still have a game in hand and can move back to second spot with a victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, February 28.
