Getafe vs. Barcelona: Winners and Losers from La Liga
Barcelona maintained their second-place spot in the La Liga standings on Saturday night after beating Getafe 2-0 away from home.
Munir El Haddadi almost scored in the first minute from an overhead kick but thereafter it took a while for Barcelona to really create chances. Sergi Roberto assisted both Luis Suarez before halftime and Neymar after the break for the Catalan club's two goals, with Barca missing several other chances later in the match to extend their lead.
Here are all our winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Sergi Roberto
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Sergi Roberto was in great form until his recent injury, which saw him miss last week's game—but inside the first minute of his return he was showing he remains full of confidence, slaloming his way past two challenges to create the first chance of the game.
Throughout the match he was excellent in possession, making intelligent through balls and making challenges in the centre, very much the most incisive player in the Barcelona midfield. That was evidenced in the assist he provided for Suarez: An audacious back-heel in midair to set the forward free on goal.
It was Roberto who also helped create the second goal, swarming down the right wing on the counter before delivering a superb cross to the far post for Neymar.
Loser: Jordi Alba
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Barcelona started attacking down the flanks, consistently and from very early on, but with limited success when it come to crosses from both fullbacks.
Jordi Alba in particular was wasteful when in good positions a number of times, failing to beat the man at the near post with his deliveries even when he had time to take a touch and pick his spot. On the opposite side Dani Alves didn't fare much better, but the Brazilian at least defended well a few times when called upon to track back quickly and intercept counter-attacks.
More is required from both players against better opponents, especially with regard to their movement off the ball and joining up late in attacks as opposed to standing—static and easy to mark—high upfield to start with. He also then missed a great late chance for a third goal, though his movement to get on the end of Neymar's flick was good in the first instance.
Winner: Luis Suarez
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Neymar has been rightly praised for his performances in recent weeks, but Luis Suarez has similarly impressed in the past few games and was vital to the win over Getafe.
The Uruguayan was a constant menace with his non-stop movement, helped create the best chances and, pivotally, scored the all-important first goal with a great moment of control and composure after Sergi Roberto's back-heeled pass.
Neymar was once again excellent himself and the duo have repeatedly proven their world class quality, but Suarez deserves credit in particular after this fixture.
Loser: Victor Rodriguez
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The Getafe midfielder who saw the most danger fall his way in the match was easily Victor Rodriguez, with the second half in particular seeing him break forward into space to good effect—but provide zero end product.
Twice he took too long to decide whether he should pass or shoot with the Barcelona defence backing off, ending in a wasted opportunity. He also had three chances to shoot fall his way on the edge of the box—all of which he sent spinning over the crossbar with poor technique.
With little support to forward Stefan Scepovic for most of the match, it was important Getafe made the most of chances which fell their way; unfortunately those fell to Rodriguez too often and he couldn't make any use of them at all.
Winner: Luis Enrique
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Heading into the match, Barcelona knew they needed to win to keep pace with Real Madrid. They did that, of course, with the 2-0 win—but manager Luis Enrique has several other reasons to be pleased, with a return to fitness of two key players top of that list.
Andres Iniesta came off the bench after several weeks out, while Roberto also returned after injury with his magnificent display.
A clean sheet and plenty of chances created in the second half were also important factors for Luis Enrique to be pleased with, as his team continued its charge toward the top of the table.
