Getafe vs Barcelona LIVE: Latest score and updates as Lionel Messi goal gives visitors early lead
Follow live coverage of Getafe vs Barcelona
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Barcelona visit Getafe in their first La Liga match following the league’s winter break as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Ernesto Valverde’s team have won their last four league matches since drawing with Atletico Madrid, who are three points behind the leaders in second, in November, and have not lost to Getafe since 2011.
The Barcelona manager recently revealed talks with the club on his future will be put on hold until the end of the season. "In football you never know what will happen. The contract has an optional year and at the end of the season we will decide. We have not even reached the middle of the season," he told the club’s in-house TV channel.
When is it?
Getafe vs Barcelona begins at 18:45 GMT at Coliseum Aldonso Perez.
Where to watch
Eleven Sports are showing live online coverage on Eleven Sports 1
Odds
Getafe to win: 6/1
Barcelona to win: 2/5
Draw: 4/1
Prediction
Getafe 0-3 Barcelona: Lionel Messi and co were in great form before the winter break and there is no reason to believe that they can’t continue that run, starting with Getafe in Madrid.
Getafe 0-0 Barcelona
14 minutes
Alba brings Foulquier down near the touchline deep in Barcelona's half. It's Foulquier who goes into the book, though, for retaliating.
Getafe 0-0 Barcelona
17 minutes
Barcelona are getting away with some odd decisions. Vidal plays a looping back pass to Ter Stegen, putting the goalkeeper under pressure. He chests the ball and clears, winning a free kick in the process. Typically unflappable goalkeeping from the German.
GOAL! Getafe 0-1 Barcelona (Messi)
20 minutes
Who else but Messi? The ball drops in the box and the Argentine reacts quickest, darting past the goalkeeper and converting into an empty net from a tight angle. He's been quiet so far but pops up when it matters. Barcelona lead.
Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
23 minutes
Getafe goalkeeper Soria is required to prevent Barcelona scoring a second. Messi plays a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Suarez, who tries to finish from a tight angle. Soria is out quickly to save.
Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
25 minutes
Dembele spots the run of Alba and plays the ball into his path. The full back's ball across goal is dangerous but no Barcelona player can reach it. Cabrera, off balance, manages to hook it clear.
Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
26 minutes
Soria saves Getafe again. Messi does brilliantly to feed Alba, who squares for Pique. The centre back looks certain to score, but his shot is too close to the goalkeeper. Barcelona are well on top now.
Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
29 minutes
Dembele prods the ball into Suarez on the edge of the box, and the former Liverpool man looks to pick out the bottom corner. His shot flies just wide, but a second goal, if Barcelona continue to play as they are, seems inevitable.
Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
34 minutes
It's all a bit too easy for Barcelona at the moment. They're in complete control of the ball and Getafe are struggling to prevent them from creating chances. Something needs to change, you feel, if the hosts are to get anything from this game.
GOAL! Getafe 0-2 Barcelona (Suarez)
39 minutes
Superb from Luis Suarez! Messi whips in a free kick, which is headed clear only as far as the Uruguayan. He strikes the ball on the volley and catches it perfectly. Soria has no chance. Barcelona, deservedly, are 2-0 up, cruising towards another victory.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments