Barcelona have opened up an 11-point lead at the top of La Liga following a thumping 6-0 win over Getafe in Saturday’s clash at Camp Nou.
The result means that Barcelona have stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 37 matches and also moved 15 points clear of third-place Real Madrid. Getafe, however, remain 16th and still just one point outside of the bottom three with nine games left to play in Spain’s top flight.
Barcelona, as expected, started on the front foot and had the lead in the eighth minute when Juan Rodriguez could only turn a low Jordi Alba cross from the left into the back of his own net.
The home side had the chance to make it 2-0 just three minutes later when Emiliano Velazquez brought Munir El-Haddadi to the ground inside the penalty box, but Lionel Messi’s spot kick was kept out by the diving Vicente Guaita as Barcelona’s penalty struggles continued.
Messi played a key role in his team’s second, however, setting up Munir in the 19th minute as the youngster made it six goals in his last six appearances for the first team.
Barcelona should have had another penalty in the 25th minute when Leon took out Neymar inside the box, but the referee was reluctant to point to the spot for a second time as Getafe continued to struggle.
Barcelona did have time to score a fourth before the break, however, when Messi curled one into the bottom corner after being afforded far too much space outside the Getafe box.
Barcelona had their fifth in the 51st minute, however, when Messi set up Neymar once again and the Brazilian made no mistake from close range – Neymar had his second and Messi made it three assists for the afternoon.
It got worse for Getafe six minutes later when Turan scored Barcelona’s sixth with a clever bicycle kick at the far post and the visitors just about avoided a seventh when Messi missed the far post in the 64th minute.
Both managers made alterations in the minutes that followed and the pace of the game slowed in the latter stages as both teams switched their attention to more pressing matters.
Barcelona will continue their title defence with a trip to top-four hopefuls Villarreal next weekend, while Getafe, who have now lost eight of their last nine in the league, host Eibar on Friday.
Trending
- Tinubu appoints renowned banker Jim Ovia as Chair of NELFUND
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC boss Olukoyede to face criminal trial for contempt of court
- President Tinubu appoint CEOs for two agencies
- Breaking: Veteran Yoruba actor, Ogunjimi is dead
- EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DEMISE OF SIDI ALI, DR. BAFFA YO
- Japa Crises: 58,000 of 130,000 registered doctors renewed licence, says MDCN
- 34-Km Ikorodu-Itokin Road Reconstruction: Gov Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru Pay Thank You Visit To Works Minister, Umahi, Make Case For Road Dualisation
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC Chairman’s conduct suggest vendetta, not fight against corruption – Concerned APC chieftains