Barcelona vs Getafe preview, team news, likely line-ups and prediction

Barcelona welcome Getafe to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium on matchday 26 of La Liga, as they look to usurp Girona to second-place in the league. 

Robert Lewandowski was the hero of the day last time out as his late retaken penalty ensured all three points for Xavi Hernandez’s side. The clash with Celta Vigo was not a classic vintage performance as the Catalans struggled in parts of the game to break Los Celestes compact defensive setup.

Both teams had an array of opportunities in the first half to open the scoring. Barcelona were lucky not to go behind as Ronald Araujo was quick to recover to make a likely goal-bound clearance. Fans with Barcelona tickets breathed a sigh of relief as the Catalans were fortunate not to be behind early on.

Lamine Yamal once again showed why he’s the brightest u17 talent in Europe at the moment, as he constantly caused Celta problems from the right wing.

Barca finally took the lead at the stroke of half-time from a beautiful spin-and-shoot from the prolific Lewandowski. Celta began to exert their presence in the game and earned a worthy equaliser as Iago Aspas’ shot deflected off Jules Kounde into the back of the net, leaving Marx-Andre ter Stegen wrong-footed.

Celta were closest to scoring as they continued to cause Barca problems through the lively Aspas. Barca were only able to craft very few opportunities but were fortunate to win a 93rd-minute foul on Yamal in the penalty box. Lewandowski stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort saved by Celta’s goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita.

However, the review showed that Guaita came off his line, which led to the penalty being retaken. Lewandowski made no mistake this time as he confidently put his strike at the back of the net to ensure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona.

On the other hand, Getafe played out a 1-1 draw with Villareal on Laliga matchday 25

Mason Greenwood continued his routing form in the Laliga as he provided the assist for Getafe’s opener.

Nemanja Maksimović connected with Greenwood’s floating free-kick in the 24th minute to stab home Getafe’s only goal of the game.

Getafe went into the interval with a 1-0 lead but their lead did not last long as Alberto Moreno levelled proceedings after just eleven minutes of the second half as his left-footed strike flew past Getafe’s goalkeeper, David Soria.

Geta Azulones currently sit at 10th place in the Laliga standings on 34 points and would savour the chance to claim all three points against Barcelona to boost their League standings as they are just five points adrift of Real Betis in seventh place and six points adrift of Real Sociedad in sixth place

Barcelona meanwhile played out a 1-1 draw in the Champions League first-leg tie against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The first opening of the game was a contrast to what you’d expect from two domestic League champions. Neither the LaLiga nor Serie A Champions were able to create fireworks. Although Barcelona dominated proceedings, the first opening was mostly half chances, and shots from outside the area.

Youngster, Yamal had a spectacular strike tipped over by Napoli’s goalkeeper, Alex Meret while Ilkay Gündogan also had a shot from the edge of the penalty area saved by Meret. Lewandowski had an opportunity inside the box but couldn’t find the opening.

Napoli on the other hand never really threatened but began to gradually exert themselves in the game.

Xavi’s team began the second half in dominant control as Napoli defended deep inside their half. The Catalans came closest to scoring after a swift combination play from Yamal and Gündogan forced a top save from Meret to keep Napoli in the tie.

Barcelona got a deserved goal at the hour mark after a string of passes ended with Pedri who expertly laid a pass to Lewandowski and the prolific striker proved once again why he’s one of the best centre-forward in the world. A powerful strike inside the box flew past Meret to find the back of the net with 30 minutes of regulation time remaining.

Barcelona continued to control the game as Napoli did not look like scoring. They created very little to trouble ter Stegen and Barcelona looked like they were taking home all three points.

But it wasn’t to be as Napoli surprisingly found the equaliser as Victor Osimhen got the better of Iñigo Martínez to slot past ter Stegen.

Barcelona were on the back foot after the equaliser while Napoli constantly troubled with set pieces. The introduction of Raphinha and the returning João Felix offered very little to reinvigorate Barcelona’s attack as the full-time whistle went. Barca would be the most disappointing of the two sides after failing to capitalise on their dominance earlier in the game.

The Blaugrana now turn their attention to Laliga and would hope to record successive victories when they face Getafe.

Victory over Pepe Bordalás’ side could see Barcelona leapfrog Girona to second place. However, it depends if Rayo Vallecano records a miraculous victory over Girona next weekend.

Barcelona v Getafe team news 

João Felix made a return to the team when he came on against Napoli in the second half, providing a boost for Xavi who could potentially start him at left wing against Getafe.

Alejandro Balde remains out with a hamstring injury, while Marcos Alonso and Ferran Torres remain absentees due to back and thigh injuries respectively. Gavi remains Barca’s longest absentee as the youngster remains out until the middle of the year due to an Anterior cruciate ligament injury.

For the visitors, Mauro Arambarri still faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury.

Fabrizio Angileri could feature after recovering from a muscular issue while Uruguayan centre-back, Gaston Alvarez returned to the squad after serving a one-game suspension before the match against Villarreal.

Predicted starting line-up 

Barcelona predicted starting line-up: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; De Jong, Gundogan, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, João Felix

Getafe predicted starting line-up: Soria; Dakonam, Alvarez, Alderete, Rico; Greenwood, Maksimovic, Milla, Martin; Mata, Mayoral

Prediction

Although results might prove otherwise, Barcelona have completely dominated their opponents throughout Laliga this season. The challenge for them has always been transmitting their dominance into victories.

On the other hand, Getafe has been impressive this season. Geta Azulones have only lost to Real Madrid in their last five matches and could be set to cause an upset when they travel to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

A low-scoring affair is expected in this clash with the team with the better goal conversion rate tipped to win.