Barcelona vs Getafe has, in recent times, proven to be a frustrating fixture for pretty much every party involved but the Madrid outfit. With a total of four goals in the last five games, including three 0-0 draws, most would have expected another dry game today.
However, a different Getafe turned up, who kept a high-line. Barcelona took some time to grow into the game, but once comfortable, it was all one-way traffic.
Raphinha opened the scoring, before a second-half masterclass from the Brazilian and Frenkie de Jong meant another three goals before full-time.
Joao Felix, de Jong himself, and Fermin Lopez were all on target as Barcelona ran away victors 4-0.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7.5
Ter Stegen’s passing was uncharacteristicaly sketchy today, but he came through with some superb saves that eventually helped with the clean sheet.
Jules Kounde: 8
Back-to-back impressive performances from Kounde, who was everywhere on the right flank. Did not give Greenwood an inch of space, and cleared all signs of danger in his radius.
Pau Cubarsi: 9
An absolute defensive clinic from 17-year-old Cubarsi, who was on the end of every move Getafe tried to create, intercepting, blocking, and clearing every cross and pass. Was also flawless in possession, starting attacks out of nothing.
Ronald Araujo: 7.5
Was a bit careless a time or two, but otherwise also rock solid defensively, especially playing as the left centre-back. Looked comfortable on the ball, too, and pocketed Borja Mayoral for 90 minutes.
Joao Cancelo: 7
Started the game well, making some great suns behind the Getafe defence, but his offensive impacted sort of faded out eventually. Has to be credited with his work in possession when deep, though, joining the midfield and controlling the game.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8
Gundogan had a slow start to the game, but it is impossible to keep him out of any Barcelona proceedings. Occupied every pocket of space flawlessly and found a pass out of nothing.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
Christensen had some trouble initially, with Getafe following him closely on the flank. He had only completed 5 passes in the opening 15 minutes, in fact, but that did not deter him, as he came clutch with a superb run and assist for Felix’s goal.
Frenkie de Jong: 10
Under pressure, de Jong impressed once again as one of the best players on the pitch. Ran the show from midfield, controlling the tempo and breaking lines for fun.
Made some vintage 2021 de Jong runs behind the defence as well, and was eventually rewarded with a goal. Created the fourth goal pretty much on his own, as well, even though he will not be credited with the assist.
Raphinha: 9.5
Raphinha was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch today, starting on the right-wing. Made some incredible runs behind the defence, and opened the scoring with one of them.
He could have/should have gotten a hattrick in that first-half, though, as some poor execution saw him miss a couple of chances. Made up for it in the second half, starting the move for Felix’s goal before assting de Jong for the third.
Also was full of flair today, attempting an audacious flick from a corner, a trivela cross, and dropping the full-back with body feints. Raphinha’s best performance of the season so far.
Robert Lewandowski: 8
Was not on the end of chances as much as he would have liked, but dropped a wonderful anchor man performance, dropping deep to collect the ball and linking the midfield to the attack. Should have scored with a chance at the end, though.
Joao Félix: 7
A frustrating display from Felix when he was on the ball, as he took too long to release passes and never looked in sync with his teammates. But credit where credit is due, continued making runs and eventually got on the end of a chance, making no mistake.
SUBSTITUTES
Fermin Lopez: 8
Added so much energy to the team, maintained high-pressure on the Getafe midfield and backline, and eventually got on the score-sheet by being in the right place at the right time. Very well deserved.
Vitor Roque: 6
Made some great runs and showed his work ethic by dropping deep to defend, but should have converted the chance in injury time. Was lucky that Fermin was there to tap it in, though.
Oriol Romeu: 6
Kept the game ticking in the 15 odd minutes he got, and completed all but one of his 10 passes.
