Sport

Barcelona Maintains Perfect Start with Close-Call Victory Over Getafe

2024-09-25

Match Overview

In a thrilling clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, FC Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory over a struggling Getafe, keeping their remarkable winning streak alive in LaLiga. The match took place on September 25, 2024, and saw the Catalan giants extend their impressive run to seven consecutive wins at the start of the season.

Key Moment

The only goal of the match came in the 19th minute from the foot of the club’s top scorer, Robert Lewandowski. After a calamitous error by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria, who failed to hold onto a high ball, Lewandowski capitalized on the loose ball to net his seventh goal of the league campaign. His performance has been nothing short of sensational, as he continues to lead the charts in goal-scoring.

Coach's Praise

"For me, [Lewandowski is] the best No.9 of the last 10 years," praised coach Hansi Flick after the match.

Barcelona's Dominance

Barcelona’s dominance was evident throughout the encounter, as they boasted nearly 80% possession and created 16 goal-scoring opportunities. However, they were let down by their finishing, missing several chances that could have increased their lead.

Historical Context

This performance marks Barcelona's second-best league start in history, matching the seven wins achieved at the start of the 2017-18 season. The club's record begins with an impressive streak of eight straight victories in the 2013-14 campaign.

Squad Resilience

Despite a depleted squad—missing stars like Pedri, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Frenkie de Jong—Barcelona showcased their depth and resilience on the pitch. They are currently four points clear at the top of the table, a comfortable lead over defending champions Real Madrid, who triumphed over Alaves 3-2 earlier this week.

Goalkeeper Replacement

Iñaki Peña filled in for the injured ter Stegen in goal, and the players donned supportive t-shirts for the captain before the match, highlighting the unity within the team.

Dramatic Finale

As the game neared its conclusion, Getafe almost snatched a dramatic equalizer during stoppage time, further underscoring the competitive nature of the match.

Need for Improvement

While Barcelona's attacking prowess remains impressive, Flick noted the team’s need to improve their speed and combination play, particularly against a side like Getafe, which is known for its defensive organization. “It’s very important that we fight for 95, 96 minutes, and I am proud that the team not only played great football but also fought with a fantastic mentality,” Flick remarked post-match.

Looking Ahead

As Getafe remains in the relegation zone without a win so far this season, they will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, while Barcelona continue their pursuit of LaLiga glory with a perfect record that gives fans much to cheer about.