Barca Blaugranes - La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Getafe CF: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2013-02-10T14:01:53+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/37329632013-02-10T14:01:53+01:002013-02-10T14:01:53+01:00La Liga: Barcelona 6-1 Getafe: Match Review
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<img alt="ALEXXIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2MUQkgsqXVJ8a4cXZvG8bBAqUGI=/4x0:3995x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7928849/161335098.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>ALEXXIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A review of Barcelona's comfortable 6-1 win over Getafe in Sunday's early kick-off at the Camp Nou</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> completely out-classed and out-played <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/getafe">Getafe</a> en route to a comfortable 6-1 win in Sunday’s early kick-off at the Camp Nou. Alexis Sánchez put the Blaugrana ahead after six minutes with a composed finish – his first La Liga goal of the season – and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> doubled Barcelona’s lead on 13 minutes with his 299<sup>th</sup> goal for the club. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a> notched Barça’s third just before the hour mark after an assist from <span>Jordi Alba</span> before substitute Cristian Tello made it four with a little over ten minutes left to play at the Camp Nou. Getafe substitute Alvaro – who entered the game in the same break of play as Tello – pulled one back for the visitors, but it only served to anger the hosts, who helped themselves to a fifth and a sixth, courtesy of Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué respectively. The win extends Barça’s lead at the top of La Liga to twelve points and keeps the Blaugrana sixteen points clear of third-place <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Barcelona</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Getafe</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Possession</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>75%</b></p>
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<td style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="205">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>25%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>17</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>6</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>9</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>91%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>73%</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Fouls</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>13</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>9</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Offsides</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>1</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>2</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b>0</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona made five changes to the team that slipped to a 1-1 draw against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/valencia">Valencia</a>, as Jordi Roura looked to rotate his squad in anticipation of next week’s UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan. Xavi dropped out of the squad through injury, while Cesc Fàbregas, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> and Pedro all dropped to the bench – meaning the Camp Nou crowd were in for a treat as David Villa, Alexis Sánchez and <span>Alex Song</span> were all handed rare starts. Could Alexis put an end to his lengthy goal-drought with a virtuoso performance?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona started well – despite an early foul from Alex Song – to create an early chance on the counter-attack. Thanks to a slip from Mehdi Lacen, Barcelona had a two-on-one opportunity in their favour with Lionel Messi leading the charge, but unfortunately the Argentine’s pass was just a little too fast for David Villa and Getafe cleared their lines. However, Barcelona – who were adapting brilliantly to the lunchtime kick-off – continued to press forward and within six minutes, they had their opener.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Andrés Iniesta will be credited with the assist – and what an assist too; cutting inside from the left-hand side of midfield, Iniesta threaded through a delightful through ball to find the incisive run of Alexis Sánchez. Now, given the Chilean struggles in front of goal, one could be forgiven for fearing the worst, but Alexis – keen to prove his doubters wrong – settled himself with a brilliant first touch and slotted the ball past Jordi Codina with his second. It was a lovely finish and the relief on Sánchez’ face was clear to see. It might have taken him fifteen appearances, but he finally had his first La Liga goal of the season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It didn’t take long for Barcelona to extend their lead either; buoyed by Alexis’ fourth goal of the season, Barça were brimming with confidence, and just like the first goal Iniesta was the creator. Once again, Iniesta dropped a shoulder, cutting in from the left-hand side of midfield and this time he took the aerial route, clipping the ball into the area to find the run of Thiago. Now, Thiago had a difficult decision to make: would he go for goal himself, or opt to move the ball onto Lionel Messi who was just yards away in the Getafe penalty area? To be honest, neither option seemed particularly attractive – his first touch certainly didn’t set him up nicely for a shot at goal, and there were a few bodies between Messi and the Getafe goal. Regardless, Thiago opted for the latter, teeing the ball up nicely for Messi who somehow found the far corner of Codina’s goal. 13 minutes in at the Camp Nou, and Barça were already two goals to the good – surely there was no way back for Getafe?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Of course, Barcelona have raced into two-goal leads before, only to end up dropping two points but based on the opening 45 minutes of play, this game seemed as good as over. Not content with their two-goal lead, Barcelona continued to attack and continued to create chances. Lionel Messi was unlucky not to connect with a speculative overhead kick, although he did connect with a volley just minutes later – rattling the post after an intelligent cross from Alexis Sánchez. Unsurprisingly, Getafe just couldn’t cope with the Argentine superstar – at times they couldn’t even get close enough to foul him – and as a result, Messi waltzed his way through the Getafe defense, almost at will. First time round he fizzed the ball out to Jordi Alba, but Villa spurned his first chance at a goal with a wayward finish and after yet another mesmeric dribble, Messi passed up the opportunity to shoot – literally – with a defense-splitting pass to David Villa. El Guaje took a touch and realised the angle was a little too tight for a shot on goal so he lifted the ball back into the area and to Lionel Messi who couldn’t keep his header down.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Alexis Sánchez, in what was arguably his best performance of the season, was also creating havoc in the Getafe defense and he can count himself unlucky not to have registered a first-half assist to go along with that much-needed goal. Sliding the ball through the legs of a defender, Alexis found Thiago unmarked inside the six-yard box, but unfortunately, Getafe managed to recover and block what would have been an easy tap-in on the stroke of half-time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Jordi Roura was forced into a change at the interval, as Adriano was forced off through injury and replaced by Dani Alves. According to reports, Adriano picked up a knock on his calf, and was subbed as a precaution.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The second half started slowly – clearly Barcelona were content with their two-goal lead and as a result, were not willing to come flying out of the blocks. Instead, the Blaugrana decided to slowly ease themselves back into the game, keeping possession and waiting for a clear-cut chance to develop. So, while the first ten minutes or so passed without any real incident, it proved to be the calm before the storm; you better believe Barcelona wanted to grab a third goal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">They probably should have got that goal too with 57 minutes on the clock. Thanks to excellent play from Jordi Alba, Messi looked set to score his 300<sup>th</sup> goal for Barcelona, but his shot was blocked superbly – as was Alexis’ follow-up attempt. However, Getafe couldn’t keep Barça at bay for long as Villa made it three with the very next attack, calmly slotting the ball past Codina after a nice assist from Jordi Alba. It was El Guaje’s 11<sup>th</sup> goal of the season and Barcelona’s 75<sup>th</sup> goal of this La Liga season – not a bad total considering we are just 23 matches into a 38 game season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With the game all but over, it was time for Jordi Roura to make his final two substitutions – as Cristian Tello replaced Alexis Sánchez with around 20 minutes left to play and he was joined by Javier Mascherano, who took Puyol’s place with a quarter of an hour left. Even though the result was not in question, Barça were still hungry for more goals and Cristian Tello – who was making his first La Liga appearance of 2013 – duly obliged, curling a beautiful shot into the corner of Codina’s goal off an assist from Leo Messi.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, Barça couldn’t keep their concentration for the full 90 minutes and they were made to pay for that loss of focus as substitute Alvaro made the most of Jordi Alba’s misjudged header to coolly grab a consolation for the visitors. Ultimately, the goal doesn’t make one iota of difference in the grand scheme of things, but is it really too much to ask for a clean sheet? Barcelona promptly responded with a goal of their own as Andrés Iniesta helped himself to a goal, pouncing on a loose ball in the Getafe area following a tackle on Messi; and Barça weren’t finished yet, as Gerard Piqué added a sixth with the final kick of the match after a selfless assist from Thiago Alcântara.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Tito Vilanova</span> – who was surely watching from New York – will be delighted with the performance and the result to go with it especially as Barcelona prepare to head out on a two-game road trip where they will face <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/granada">Granada</a> and AC Milan. Until then, Visca el Barça!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/10/3972964/la-liga-fc-barcelona-6-1-getafe-cf-match-reviewArron Duckling2013-02-10T11:27:50+01:002013-02-10T11:27:50+01:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Getafe: Live Game Thread
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<figcaption>Manuel Queimadelos Alonso</figcaption>
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<p>Live game thread for the La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF</p> <div style="text-align: center;">
<br>La Liga: Matchday 23<br>Kickoff: Sunday, 10 February 2013; 12:00 CET<br>Camp Nou, <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a><br>Referee: Ignacio Iglesias</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Line-ups:</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Adriano Correia, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique" class="sbn-auto-link">Gerard Pique</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol" class="sbn-auto-link">Carles Puyol</a>, <span>Jordi Alba</span>; <span>Alex Song</span>, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta; Alexis Sanchez, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa" class="sbn-auto-link">David Villa</a>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Substitutes: Jose Manuel Pinto, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano" class="sbn-auto-link">Javier Mascherano</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves" class="sbn-auto-link">Dani Alves</a>, <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Pedro Rodriguez, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, Cristian Tello</div>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/getafe" class="sbn-auto-link">Getafe</a> CF (4-2-3-1): Jordi Codina; Miguel Torres, Alexis, Alberto Lopo, Sergio Escudero; Michel, Borja Fernandez; Pedro Leon, Abdel Barrada, Jaime Gavilan; Adrian Colunga</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Substitutes: TBA</div>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/10/3972880/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-getafe-cf-live-game-threadArron Duckling2013-02-09T22:12:57+01:002013-02-09T22:12:57+01:00Predict the Score: Barcelona vs Getafe
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
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<p>A chance to predict the score of tomorrow's La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Getafe</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> host <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/getafe">Getafe</a> tomorrow in Sunday's early kick-off, as they look to bounce back from last week's underwhelming 1-1 draw against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/valencia">Valencia</a>. Despite dropping those two points at the Mestalla, the Blaugrana still have a healthy lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga - and that lead stand at twelve points by the time Atleti kick-off in their match against in-form <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/rayo-vallecano">Rayo Vallecano</a>. That being said, some of the Barca players are unlikely to be at 100% following the midweek internationals; will they have enough left in the tank to defeat Getafe?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Given that Getafe have never won at the Camp Nou, and that Luis Garcia's side have struggled for form on their travels thus far this season, it's hard to envisage anything other than a Barcelona win tomorrow - but what will the final result be? Predict the score by voting in our poll, and by commenting with your prediction below. Best of luck, and for more coverage of tomorrow's match <a target="_blank" href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3968922/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-getafe-cf-full-match-coverage">be sure to check out our Storystream</a>.</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/9/3971560/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-getafe-cf-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2013-02-09T00:59:06+01:002013-02-09T00:59:06+01:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Getafe: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Sunday's La Liga match-up between FC Barcelona and Getafe. Will Barcelona be able to snap a two-game winless run with a victory at the Camp Nou?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Following a brief international break, FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> will be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they get ready to host twelfth-place Getafe at the Camp Nou. Luis Garcia’s side have mustered just one win in their last ten matches, but they might fancy their chances against the Blaugrana – who have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions, possibly influenced by the <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/7/3961242/does-fc-barcelona-miss-coach-tito-vilanova" target="_blank">absence of their head coach, Tito Vilanova</a>. Will <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> be able to <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3966980/fc-barcelona-news-8-february-2013-lionel-messi-signs-new-contract" target="_blank">celebrate his contract extension</a> by firing Barcelona to victory, or will the dreaded "FIFA virus" strike again?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barca head into Sunday’s match without influential midfielder Xavi, <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/5/3954046/fc-barcelona-news-5-february-2013-xavi-ruled-out-for-2-weeks-copa-del" target="_blank">who is battling a hamstring injury</a>; although aside from that, Barcelona are at full strength for the visit of Getafe. However, with a <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/12/20/3787570/fc-barcelona-to-face-ac-milan-in-uefa-champions-league-round-of-16" target="_blank">UEFA Champions League round of sixteen clash with AC Milan just around the corner</a>, the onus is on Jordi Roura to start rotating the squad; and many expect him to start tomorrow.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Victor Valdés will start in goal off the back of a <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/4/3951888/la-liga-fc-barcelona-1-1-valencia-player-ratings" target="_blank">MoTM performance against Valencia</a>, where he managed to save the Blaugrana from certain defeat with a number of top-class saves. Sure, Valdés hasn’t been at his best this season and as a result, there are many who believe Barcelona are likely to benefit when he decides to move on (be it this summer or in 2014); but even so, there is no question about it – when Valdés is at his best, there are few better.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In defense, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> is favourite to start at right-back, although the Brazilian may welcome a rest following a midweek friendly with England. Alves was in good form on Wednesday night and managed to keep <span>Danny Welbeck</span> quiet on the left, but he did play the full 90 minutes – unlike Adriano who was subbed off with 20 minutes left to play at Wembley. Whether Adriano would start on the right or left is unknown – heck, he might not start at all – we can’t rule <span>Martin Montoya</span> out after all. Personally, I would start with Montoya on the right and Adriano on the left – although I have a hunch that Tito/Roura will opt for Alves and Adriano instead.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Moving onto the centre of defense, is it possible that we will see <span>Marc Bartra</span> granted his first La Liga start of the season? Given that centenary man <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a> and his partner-in-crime Gerard Piqué have travelled half-way across the world – and back – this week, it’s certainly possible, but I wouldn’t put any money on it. Instead, I expect to see <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a> start in the heart of defense with Gerard Piqué in support – although here’s a radical thought: maybe we should give <span>Alex Song</span> another chance at centre-half; after all, isn’t that the main reason that the club signed him from Arsenal?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">That being said, Alex Song’s services may be required in midfield as <span>Sergio Busquets</span> played the full 90 minutes against Uruguay on Wednesday. Slowly but surely, Song is starting to improve and grow into his role at the Camp Nou but even his most ardent supporters would struggle to advocate the exorbitant fee Barça paid for his signature just six months ago. Ahead of Song/Busquets, Thiago Alcântara is expected to start and the talented Spaniard hinted at his frustration sitting on the bench in a recent interview.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">When asked about what it’s like to play with the world’s best players, Thiago answered truthfully, noting that while it’s an honour to ply your trade with players like Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, it is also unfortunate as he has to compete with those same players for a place in the first team. Therefore, it’s up to Thiago to make the most of every opportunity he gets – starting on Sunday against Getafe. Thiago is likely to be joined in midfield by Cesc Fàbregas, <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/7/3963108/fc-barcelona-news-7-february-2013" target="_blank">who scored the opening goal in Spain’s 3-1 win over Uruguay</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In attack, Lionel Messi is virtually certain to start, and wouldn’t it be nice if he could grab a goal, or three, to celebrate his newly-signed contract extension? Of course it would, but wouldn’t it be even better if Alexis Sánchez got those goals instead? The Chilean missed another good chance to end his scoring drought in Chile’s friendly with Egypt and he admitted after the game that he’s feeling nervous in front of goal. With each passing game, those nerves are going to multiply but – answers on a postcard to the Camp Nou if you have a suggestion – there appears to be no quick fix. While that may be the case, there’s certainly nothing to be gained from a few cameo appearances – surely the best option is for Sánchez to start in matches like this, where the pressure is low and, no offense to any Getafe fans reading, where Alexis doesn’t have to worry about scoring. Anyway, enough about Alexis, there’s one more place up for grabs, and it’s down to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a> and Cristian Tello to fight it out. Tello could equally start on the right ahead of Sánchez – and it’s arguably his best chance of a starting role because El Guaje expected to start on Sunday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>GETAFE</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Usually this is the part of the preview where I would address our opponents, but instead I shall direct you to <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3967346/barcelonas-next-opponent-getafe-la-liga-scouting-report" target="_blank">Luis’ superb in-depth scouting report</a>, where he not only addresses the team news ahead of Sunday's clash, but also takes a look at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/getafe">Getafe's</a> recent form and the approach Luis Garcia is likely to take at the Camp Nou.</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3967346/barcelonas-next-opponent-getafe-la-liga-scouting-report" target="_blank">Barcelona's Next Opponent: Getafe Scout Report</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona: DLWWDD</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Getafe: LDDDLW</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/9/15/3338336/la-liga-getafe-cf-1-4-fc-barcelona-match-review" target="_blank">Getafe CF 1-4 FC Barcelona – 15 September 2012 – La Liga</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona showed no signs of the fatigue following a short international break, coasting to victory over Getafe in Madrid. Adriano Correia put the Blaugrana ahead in the 32<sup>nd</sup> minute, before late goals from Lionel Messi (2) and David Villa secured the three points.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Song, Thiago, Cesc; Sánchez, Messi, Villa</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3967346/barcelonas-next-opponent-getafe-la-liga-scouting-report">Getafe CF (4-2-3-1): Codina; Miguel Torres, Alexis, Fernandez, Escudero; Xavi Torres, Borja; Gavilán, Diego Castro, Barrada; Colunga</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I fully expect Barcelona to coast to victory on Sunday; I’m going for another 4-1 win.</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/9/3968722/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-getafe-match-previewArron Duckling2013-02-08T17:34:42+01:002013-02-08T17:34:42+01:00Getafe Scouting Report
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
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<p>FC Barcelona will face off against Getafe at the Camp Nou on Sunday. The 23rd round of La Liga will see the Madrid-based team try to break the three-way tie on points it has to lay sole claim to tenth place. Meanwhile, Barca will seek to widen its distance at the top from two other Madrid teams, Atletico and Real Madrid.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> will receive Getafe in what should be an interesting encounter between the league leaders and a midtable team.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Getafe, with 29 points, is tied with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/valladolid">Valladolid</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/sevilla">Sevilla</a> for tenth place, but falls to twelfth on goal difference. <i>Los Azulones</i> lost the previous meeting between the sides in the first half of La Liga, 4-1.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Because of the international break, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> came off the bench and scored a brace which transformed a terse 1-0 lead into a commanding 3-0 advantage. Adriano Correia and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a> were on target as well, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano's</a> own goal was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/getafe">Getafe's</a> lone tally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By coincidence, the two teams meet again after the international break. Barcelona supply a great amount of players to the Spanish national team, and in addition, every foreign player has been called up to their respective national team.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Getafe's Medhi Lacen (Algeria) and Abdelaziz Barrada (Morocco) were away on their Africa Cup of Nations duty until their teams were eliminated. The only other capped player in the squad is Federico Fernandez, who started alongside Mascherano and Messi in Argentina's 3-2 triumph against Sweden.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Could the dreaded "FIFA virus" strike again, as a tired Barca are upset by the plucky Getafe?</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Form</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Getafe line up in the fashionable 4-2-3-1 formation, but they are on the whole not very fashionable. Their main shirt sponsor last year was Burger King, and they are infinitely smaller than their neighbors Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. They are, however, the proud team of a bustling city in the Madrid metropolitan area.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They lack vast resources but they have achieved famous results, not the least of which was a 1-0 win over Barcelona last season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The team has been firmly midtable this term: not particularly good at scoring or at defending, pretty good at home and not quite as good away; they still have locked up key points by getting tough results.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Their crowning achievement was a 2-1 comeback victory against Real Madrid early in the season, with Juan Valera and Barrada getting the goals. Also impressive was a win away to Athletic Bilbao and a grinding 1-0 triumph at home against Malaga.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since that game versus Malaga, Getafe went on a dry run: no victories in nine games. However, they enjoyed a confidence boosting 3-1 triumph against bottom-of-the-table Deportivo La Coruña in their last match.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Key Players</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Their top scorer is Diego Castro, who as an attacking midfielder or winger has netted 5 times. After that, they have relied on several different players to get the goals. Tied for number two top-scorer is Alexis Ruano, a central defender, which says as much about his heading ability as it does about Getafe's lack of reliable scoring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Miguel Angel Moya is the number one keeper and has been very good so far this season. He won't win the Zamora Trophy for the best goals against average, but he has saved Getafe more than a few times and is apt with his feet.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The only problem? He is suspended after being sent off in the match against Depor. Jordi Codina was good as an emergency substitute. The Barcelona-born Real Madrid product (imagine that!) will start against Barcelona.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pedro Leon, on loan from Real Madrid, has been a key performer as well. He's chipped in two goals, but more than that, he's been a dangerous passer, registering 4 assists in the league. He is also a good crosser of the ball from the right wing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Leon has been injured but is set to make his comeback against Barca, though it is a game-time decision according to manager Luis Garcia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barrada has been a key piece of the offensive puzzle, producing three goals (second on the team) and five assists (first) in the league. A good dribbler who can play anywhere among the three-man band, he's also unafraid to let shots fly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Xavi Torres is the man charged with running the midfield from a central position. Not as accomplished as his namesake, Barca's Xavi Hernandez, he is still a solid "regista" (deep-lying playmaker.)</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Strategy</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Getafe don't keep possession much, but rather try to create chances with long balls towards their speedy forwards. They also like taking long shots and can score goals on set pieces. Garcia has stated he will be brave, trying to press Barca higher up the pitch.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He has stated he will not play with a "trivote" of three defensive midfielders, though he recognizes that sitting back is a useful strategy against Barcelona. He insists that Los Cules are not as strong defensively so it will be important to be ready to counter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Getafe has sometimes gone with the trivote 4-3-3 or the 4-4-2, but in all likelihood, they will go with a defensive 4-2-3-1.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lineup</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With Codina in goal, Alexis will start in the center of defense. His partner could be Alberto Lopo, coming back from injury, or, with Rafa Lopez out, it could be Fernandez.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Juan Valera, the regular right-back, is injured, forcing Miguel Torres to move from the left to the right. Sergio Escudero, who has only made one league appearance, will fill in at left-back as Mané Jimenez is out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Borja Fernandez should cover Xavi Torres in the center of midfield, with the other option, Juan Rodriguez, out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The next band will likely include Jaime Gavilán on the left, Barrada through the middle, and Castro on the right. Angel Lafita has featured in the past, but he is out, while <span>Pablo Sarabia</span> is likely to remain on the bench. Pedro Leon is not ready to start the match, according to Garcia, but could be a sub.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Adrian Colunga has been the starter in the striker position for the past few games and it should remain so. Alvaro Vazquez has been good off the bench, and could be pushing for a return to the starting XI.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Final Thoughts</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Getafe has struggled with injuries and suspensions in the past, which has resulted in a noticeable dip in form. Despite missing key men (Moya, Mane, Rafa, Rodriguez and Valera especially), Getafe feel that they are on the upswing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The jetlag from the international break could affect Barca, as well as the lack of Xavi. Still, one feels that the mighty Barcelona team should have enough in the tank to win at home against a resilient but weakened Getafe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Possible XI: Codina; Miguel Torres, Alexis, Fernandez, Escudero; Xavi Torres, Borja; Gavilán, Diego Castro, Barrada; Colunga (4-2-3-1)</i></p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/2/8/3967346/barcelonas-next-opponent-getafe-la-liga-scouting-reportLuis Mazariegos