After the Champions League interlude (1-1 in the round of 16 first leg in Naples), FC Barcelona returned to business as usual. The context is still difficult around the Catalan entity, in particular because of the future departure of Xavi in June. For Getafe’s reception at Montjuic (26th day of La Liga), the coach was still without Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Ferran Torres. He also rested certain elements like Martinez, Pedri and Yamal.
Live ranking
|
#
|
Team
|
Pts
|
J
|
DIF
|
G
|
NOT
|
D
|
BP
|
B.C.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
|
57 |
26 |
22 |
17 |
6 |
3 |
56 |
34 |
|
10 |
|
34 |
26 |
-5 |
8 |
10 |
8 |
33 |
38 |
It was therefore an attacking trio composed of João Félix, Raphinha and Lewandowski who led Barça in the fight for 2nd place, occupied by Girona at kick-off. The first minutes did not bode well, like this ball lost by De Jong (6th) but the Barcelona quickly refocused to dominate with head and shoulders. Raphinha’s first attempt was only a warning (8th). The Brazilian took advantage of a long ball from Koundé behind the defense to beat Soria and open the scoring (1-0, 18th).
Raphinha’s irregularity
Proof that the former Rennais is still such an imperfect player, he sabotaged two huge situations before the break, first by hitting above when he was alone (40th), then by misjudging a pass for a João Félix , yet in an ideal situation (45th). Often described as a tough team with its two arrows Mayoral and Greenwood, and sometimes rough, Getafe was no match. Even Milla’s post after returning from the locker room was only an epiphenomenon (49th).
The break may have done Raphinha good since his one-two with Christensen allowed the Dane to serve João Félix on a plate (2-0, 53rd). It was also his call behind the defense, and his intelligent delivery back for De Jong, instead of favoring the individual solution, which allowed the Dutchman to seal the fate of this match (3-0, 61st). The goal refused to Lewandowski for a slight offside (57th) had already been forgotten. With a little more realism (75th, 81st, 86th), the score could have been heavier than this 4-0, since Fermin (90th+1) finished the job. The art and the way ; Barça takes 2nd place, one point ahead of Girona.
