Barcelona maintained their 100% start to the season but it was a tough old afternoon at Getafe with the visitors eventually winning 2-1, thanks to goals from Denis Suarez and substitute Paulinho.
The early minutes saw some end-to-end stuff with Getafe getting the first shot on target. Barcelona were looking to control the tempo with some safe passing between the back-line but the hosts were quick to win the ball back and counter attack.
Barcelona named their strongest line-up, apart from Nelson Semedo, but started the game with little aggression. Ousmane Dembele got involved in a couple of attacks, but the opposition left-back Antunes did a decent job of containing the Frenchman on both occasions.
Meanwhile, Gerard Pique brought down Molina to inches outside the box to pick up an early yellow card, a poor moment from the centre-back, who was clearly outfoxed.
It nearly got worse too, after some brilliant work from Shibasaki, Pique and Marc Andre ter Stegen nearly handed the opposition their opening goal but the home side failed to find the back of the net.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Despite a few attacks Barcelona failed to stamp their authority on the game and things got worse when Dembele had to be replaced by Gerard Deulofeu due to a hamstring issue after just 27 minutes.
Getafe managed to build a strong attack at the half-hour mark but a foul on Samuel Umtiti ended the attack close to the penalty box.
However, the hosts did subsequently take the lead, Shibasaki scoring a screamer past Ter Stege,, his first touch volley grazing the inside of the net from outside the box. Perfect. 1-0, Getafe.
Moments later, Fajr took a shot on Barcelona’s goal but his attempt had too much power and drifted into the stands. Meanwhile, Barca nearly levelled just before the break, a brilliant Messi free kick aimed at the top corner saved by Guaita.
Second Half
Barcelona opted to make a change at the break, sending on Denis Suarez for Iniesta and the Galician was involved straight away, adding a new dynamic to the rather slow midfield.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
An excellent counter attack followed with Messi leaving his marker behind to run into space. However, the Argentine failed to control a pass near the penalty spot which saw the move break down.
However, after little to no productive play for, Sergi Roberto and Denis combined after some work by Deulofeu to pull Barca level.
Roberto cut the ball in for Denis who finished with ease to level the scores at the hour mark.
After some uninspiring play, Barcelona finally had a renewed sense of urgency after their equaliser, while Getafe looked to park the bus and try to hang on for a point.
However, enter Paulinho who replaced Ivan Rakitic in the 77th minute and five minutes later struck a powerful shot past Guaita to put Barcelona ahead.
His first Barca goal, with his first shot on target, according to Opta.
With the scales tipped in Barça’s favour, the Catalans began to ramp up the attack before switching to control-mode and seeing out the win for another three points.
It was a difficult game for the visitors, but they came through, and Ernesto Valverde’s changes were vital to the win.
Here’s hoping we can keep it up.
Onwards and upwards!
