Saturday, February 6, 2010

LA LIGA: FC BARCELONA 2-1 GETAFE


Barcelona maintained their impressive home record in La Liga with a win over Getafe, despite finishing the game with nine men.

Gerard Pique was sent off for a cynical lunge on Rafa Lopez after 24 minutes, although Barca were already a goal to the good by then, thanks to Lionel Messi's brilliant early strike.

Pep Guardiola's side never really looked in danger, despite Pique's departure, and their dominance finally paid off as Xavi all but sealed a 17th league win of the season in the 67th minute.

Roberto Soldado's stoppage-time penalty pulled a goal back for the visitors and Marquez was sent off for his foul on Kepa Blanco which led to the spot-kick.

With captain Carles Puyol missing through suspension, Gabriel Milito was given a first league start since returning from his long-term knee injury, while Maxwell was asked to cover at right-back following the late injury withdrawal of Dani Alves.

Alves was originally set to start, but was unable to take part and the Brazilian's absence meant Thierry Henry, who had been dropped from the squad by Guardiola, was restored on the bench.
Messi was buzzing from the outset and lashed a fierce effort just wide of the target after three minutes before giving Barca the lead moments later.

Yaya Toure laid the ball off for Messi on the edge of the box, and the Argentina forward unleashed an unstoppable drive past Jordi Codina to put the hosts in front.

Getafe were one of the few teams to get any reward at the Nou Camp last season, when they claimed a 1-1 draw here, and Guardiola had spoken of the possibility of a slip-up prior to this game.

That seemed unlikely, though, as the La Liga leaders continued to attack.

Messi was an inspired figure and the Argentinian's enthusiasm was rubbing off on his team-mates.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic should have made it 2-0 after good work from Messi, but Codina made a fine save to deny the Sweden striker after 18 minutes.

A second goal appeared imminent, but instead Barca went down to 10 men as Pique was dismissed for scything down Rafa.

Getafe then went close to rubbing further salt into the Catalans' wounds as Dani Parejo almost got on the end of Pedro Rios' cross.

Miku was then twice denied by Victor Valdes as Getafe sought to make the most of their extra man, but Barca, with Toure now helping out in defence, looked comfortable and Xavi should have doubled their lead shortly before the break.

The Spain midfielder's header was weak, though, and Rafa also cleared an Ibrahimovic effort off the line before the break.

Guardiola rang the changes in the second half, bringing on Sergio Busquets for the hapless Ibrahimovic, who has now gone five league matches without a goal, and Marquez for Toure as Barca looked to shore up their defence.

The hosts doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark when Messi set up Xavi and the Barca vice-captain slotted coolly past Codina.

Keita and Messi then missed good chances late on to put the game beyond reach.

The Catalans looked to be cruising, but they were forced onto the back foot in added time, when Rafael Marquez hacked down Kepa Blanco and the referee awarded a penalty.

Roberto Soldado beat Valdes from the spot, but it came too late for Getafe.-ESPNSTAR

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