Five talking points from Barcelona’s draw with Getafe

Barcelona run out of steam

Barcelona have had a hectic fixture list since the turn of the year and Sunday’s game was their 12th in just 39 days, and it certainly showed.

Ernesto Valverde was also forced into some crucial changes with Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique missing, while Andres Iniests was given a breather and started on the bench.

The combination of tiredness, changes and a extremely well-organised Getafe defence, meant Barcelona could not find a goal for the first time in La Liga this season.

However, given the circumstances it’s not the worst result in the world, and Barcelona now have a whole week to rest and recover before they face Eibar.

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Yerry Mina looks a Barcelona player

We got a glimpse of Yerry Mina in midweek against Valencia but we finally got to see the Colombian make his full debut on Sunday and he can be pleased with his outing.

The 23-year-old and Lucas Digne made an unlikely centre-back pairing but they got the job done and ensured another clean sheet for Barca.

Mina also showed what a threat he can be at the other end. At 6’5” he’s the tallest player in the Barca squad and his aerial ability was on show as he went close with a couple of headers.

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Barca’s lead cut to just seven points

Barca’s draw means their lead at the top had been cut to just seven points by Atletico Madrid after they won 1-0 at Malaga on Saturday.

It’s still a healthy lead, but Barca’s margin for error has reduced and the game against Atletico at Camp Nou on March 4 is looking increasingly crucial.

Before then Barca also have some testing fixtures, starting with Eibar at the weekend. The team then face Chelsea in the Champions League, before La Liga games against Girona and Las Palmas.

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Dembele makes another comeback

Ousmane Dembele was back for Barcelona again, but it was a kind of curious cameo from the young Frenchman.

He did provide a spark from the bench, but then seemed to lose the ball at the vital moment and looked nervous and far too desperate to make up for lost time.

Dembele is still only 20, just coming back from his second injury of the season and needs time, patience and an injury free spell in the team. Let’s hope he gets it.

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Coutinho struggled to make an impact

He may have scored his first goal for Barcelona, and a crucial one it was too, against Valencia in midweek but this was another performance where Coutinho struggled to make an impact.

The Brazilian has now made six appearances for Barcelona and played on the left, right and in the middle, but it’s still unclear where might be his best position for his new team.

Like Dembele, Coutinho needs time to adapt to his new team and it’s possible we won’t see the best of the Brazilian until next season.