Pedri’s goal saves Barcelona from ‘dogged’ Getafe. With a 1-0 victory over Getafe on Sunday, Barcelona moved ahead of Getafe by a provisional six points. Pedri Gonzalez’s goal was the deciding factor.
Barcelona had few noteworthy opportunities without suspended striker Robert Lewandowski, but they did just enough to earn three points and continue their quest for their first league championship since 2019.
Barcelona upped the pressure on the champions, whom they also defeated to win the Spanish Super Cup last weekend, while Real Madrid, who is now in second position, takes on Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez told Movistar, “We didn’t play well, we were slow, and we didn’t attack properly.
We were not polished in our performance, by no means had a terrific game, and we need to get better. “We did defend effectively, but it’s always hard to attack a defensive line sitting that deep.
However, we do accept an important victory, three points at home, and yet another crucial clean sheet.
Despite a lackluster performance, Xavi’s team has won six straight games in all competitions, and supporters screamed his name in the closing seconds.
Instead of Lewandowski, the coach went with Ansu Fati up front, but the young international from Spain found it difficult to contribute.
On a chilly night at Camp Nou, the whole Barcelona team took some time to get going. Getafe’s Borja Mayoral came close to scoring first, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
The 35th minute saw Barça’s first serious opportunity, which was completed by Pedri from close range after a superb interception by Andreas Christensen freed the Brazilian.
After a badly timed backpass from Pedri, former Real Madrid striker Mayoral had a chance to tie the game for the visitors but was stopped by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
After a protracted slump in form, Barcelona’s German goalkeeper is back to his best this season, and their stellar defensive record reflects that.
In 17 La Liga games, the Catalans have held 13 clean sheets while allowing only six goals.
Early in the second half, Ter Stegen mishandled a Mayoral cross-shot, but other than that, he was seldom put to the test.
Barcelona had limited chances to extend their advantage due to Getafe’s resolute defense and few opportunities of their own.
With his fury on display, French winger Ousmane Dembele was quite fortunate to escape getting sent off for a studs-up tackle on Omar Alderete.
Later, Dembele set up Franck Kessie, a replacement, for a shot, but the Ivorian shot directly at Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.
To-do list was the last thing Fati said, his clumsy try encapsulating a difficult evening.
In stoppage time, Getafe had an opportunity to tie the score when Juanmi Latasa beat Sergio Busquets to a free kick but headed straight at Ter Stegen.
Getafe, according to Pedri, are a very challenging side to play against because they sit deep and allow little room in the middle of the field.
“After scoring, we didn’t have much of the ball and couldn’t generate many chances.
“It’s obvious that we need to improve our ability to finish (games), we aren’t doing it — it’s on our to-do list, but these three points were crucial.”
As a consequence, Getafe is now in 16th position with 17 points, followed by Celta Vigo and Real Valladolid in 18th place.
Prior to that, fifth-place Villarreal defeated mid-table Girona 1-0 but only with a penalty after 100 minutes. Dani Parejo made a change.
The hosts were given another penalty in the final seconds after Gerard Moreno missed one in the 93rd minute.
Elche, who is currently last in the standings, drew 1-1 with Osasuna, who is ranked seventh, but they still have yet to win in the top division this year.
