A week on from a record-extending 14th Supercopa de España title triumph, Xavi’s first managerial title at the club, a steam-rolling Barcelona also made it five wins in a row with a 5-0 victory in Copa del Rey action on Thursday. So with the opening period seeing the young talents of Pedri and cup-hero Gavi exchange effortlessly inside the colossal Camp Nou, it truly felt like a new era had begun, with their visitors Getafe perhaps fearful as they arrived today only above the drop zone by virtue of goal difference.
Much to the surprise of the crowd, the struggling Azulones more than held their own throughout the majority of the first half and their well-drilled backline led by captain Djene Dakonam made it difficult for Barça to break the lines. Barcelona would show their ruthlessness before the half was out however, nicking the ball from their complacent visitors as they played out from the back, before Raphinia floated a delicious cross into the box which Pedri tucked away with aplomb.
The Blaugrana have never lost a competitive home H2H against Getafe, who were also on a three-match losing run before their arrival here, so their chances appeared slim as the second half restarted. With a packed schedule on the horizon, Xavi decided to shuffle his deck at HT, though this didn’t disrupt his side’s trademark control as they kept the ball away from their visitor’s grasp.
Perhaps missing talisman Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona didn’t create many clear-cut opportunities in a cagey affair which may have surprised some when considering Getafe’s recent struggles, though Franck Kessié perhaps should have done better when he found himself in on goal in the final minutes. What may not have come as a surprise was the host’s solidity, as they’ve conceded just one home league goal this season, but with that arriving in a 1-1 draw to Espanyol last time they played here, Xavi’s side would have been glad to get back on track in front of jubilant home fans.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Pedri (Barcelona)