Every match has its satisfactions and its problems. And right now, the problems seem to be the same in Barcelona, namely the starts of the match. But fortunately so far, the satisfactions are the final results. Like in Monaco last week, and like against Villarreal last weekend, Hansi Flick’s men started their match the wrong way round against Getafe this Wednesday. In the end, they won, but not without difficulty (1-0). At the start, Getafe missed the opportunity to open the scoring with Perez, whose header was finally caught by Iñaki Peña (8th), and the shot saved by Baldé (11th).
The heated moments intensified on the Catalan goal, but on a counterattack, Lewandowski broke the deadlock. By sensing Soria’s error on a cross from Koundé, the Pole scored his 7th goal of the season in the league (19th, 1-0). Barça found height and created several opportunities. On receiving a cross from Raphinha, Yamal missed his control and was too short to shoot in front of Soria (24th). Raphinha, abandoned by his grace of the last matches, presented himself in turn in front of the Spanish goalkeeper, but lost his duel (26th), before crossing his half-volley too much (30th). In a match that cruelly lacked spark, it was obviously the youngest Lamine Yamal, who came to throw a few shivers.
Yamal has treated us again
At the crossroads of all influences, the 17-year-old kid was a delight in small spaces, ensured connections with Jules Koundé, made poor Iglesias look like a block, and was not far from scoring his 4th goal of the season, but came up against a decisive Soria (60th). “Yamal doesn’t seem to really need rest”Hansi Flick reassured himself earlier in the week at a press conference. It is certain that at such a level, it is difficult to want to do without a player capable of winning matches for his team all by himself. But be careful not to burn a 17-year-old player, who has only missed 14 minutes of play this season with his club, especially when the Pedri case is still in everyone’s mind.
In any case, Yamal continued his show. Hooks, small bridges, feints of shots, and a volley on the bar (72nd). In turn, Eric Garcia had the ball for 2-0 but did not frame what seemed nevertheless harder to miss than to convert, while Raphinha, once again, brought forward the time of the harvest. On a cross on the line from Koundé, the Blaugrana captain crossed his head too much. And we were not far from the sanction… In a disjointed end of the match, the opportunities multiplied for Getafe, but fortunately, Alderete, Carles Perez and Mayoral had their black bread in the finish. It was complicated, but finally, Barcelona continues its flawless run. 21 points out of 21 possible, and 4 ahead of its runner-up, Real Madrid.
