Getafe vs. Barcelona: Winners and Losers from La Liga Game
Barcelona dropped two points on the road in a 0-0 draw with Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday.
Despite holding 76 percent of the possession and taking 23 shots, Luis Enrique's men left the match four points behind high-flying Real Madrid in the La Liga table.
The two biggest chances for Barcelona came on two Lionel Messi free-kicks in the second half, but he was denied by the woodwork and Vicente Guaita.
Here's a look at the winners and losers from Saturday's goalless draw.
Winner: Vicente Guaita
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Vicente Guaita only faced two shots on target, but he was forced to play a major role in goal for the host side.
In the 58th minute, Guaita made a terrific diving save on a Lionel Messi free-kick just minutes after he was completely fooled by the Argentinian.
On countless occasions, the 27-year-old 'keeper steered away danger in the box by coming off his line to collect dangerous crosses sent in from the wings.
Thanks to the contributions of Guaita, Getafe earned a valuable point against one of the top sides in Spain.
Loser: Lionel Messi
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Rarely does Lionel Messi leave a match as the biggest loser, but that was the case after the final whistle blew at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
In a six-minute span early in the second half, Messi had a chance to change the game with two free-kicks.
Both of his shots were on target, but neither found the back of the net. In the 52nd minute, Messi was denied by the woodwork, while Guaita got a touch on his shot from the right wing in the 58th minute.
By failing to find the back of the net, Messi failed to keep up his strong form. He has scored 10 goals in all competitions over his last six matches.
Winner: Claudio Bravo
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It may not have seemed like a result-saving denial in the 33rd minute, but that is exactly what Claudio Bravo's save on Angel Lafita turned out to be.
The Chilean goalkeeper's only save of the match saw him get a hand on a shot from Lafita, which was headed for the right side of the net.
Had the shot from Lafita beaten Bravo, Getafe would've gained the momentum, and they may have ran away with the match.
Bravo also made a key play in the 65th minute, as he tapped the ball out of play following a deflection off Jeremy Mathieu.
Without the contributions of Bravo in net, Barcelona may have left the match without a single point, which would have been a crucial blow to their title hopes.
Loser: Claims for Handball
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During a two-minute span in the first half, both sides had a legitimate penalty claim. However, neither call was given by the referee.
The first potential penalty came in the 21st minute, as Juan Valera played the ball with his hand while on the ground.
Just a minute later, Dani Alves got a piece of the ball with his hand on a Lafita cross from the left wing.
If either handball had been called, it may have opened up the match. But that was not to be the case, as the referee was consistent in not whistling either player for a handball.
Winner: Luis Suarez
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Although he still hasn't scored a goal in league play, Luis Suarez did make a massive impact on the match.
Suarez was a viable asset moving forward for Barcelona on both wings, as he created plenty of dangerous chances for a side without the services of Neymar.
The Uruguayan recorded a total of four key passes, which was tied for a team high with Jordi Alba per WhoScored.
Despite failing to find the back of the net, Suarez proved he has adjusted just fine to the Barcelona attack following his suspension.
Winner: Cosmin Contra
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Getafe boss Cosmin Contra employed a terrific game plan Saturday to earn a valuable point in front of the home crowd.
The Getafe back line was well organized throughout the match, and there were few occasions where Barca found pockets of space in the penalty area.
At some points in the first half, Getafe were able to move forward a bit through Lafita. But even during those spells in the match, they did not leave themselves exposed at the back.
In the second half, Contra's men were more conservative in their approach, and it worked to perfection, as Barca were left frustrated for the final 45 minutes.
The strong defensive performance was a major confidence boost for a side who have scored just 11 goals in 15 league matches.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
