La Liga Week 12: Getafe Display Strong Defensive Effort To Draw 1-1 Against Barcelona
November 25th 2008 20:59
Anticipating their oncoming Champions League fixture against Sporting this week, Pep Guardiola decided to rest his primary weapon, Lionel Messi, putting youngster Bojan Krkic in his place. The change made things a lot more easier for the Getafe defense who easily contained the young striker, depriving Barcelona of a much needed width.
As a matter of fact, it was Getafe who scored first despite their defensive stance. At the 18th minute, striker Manu delivered a wonderful strike beating Victor Valdes in the lower-corner of the net. Barcelona tried to press harder after that, but Getafe's intensive man-marking prevented the home side from developping their elaborate passing game as they were often pressed into making quick decisions with the ball. The few plays they built were wasted by Bojan who was too rusty for such a demanding game. Barca's best opportunity came at the 38th minute after a superb run by Carles Puyol into the heart of Getafe's defense. The result was a powerful strike by Eto'o that bounced off the crossbar.
The second half was more of the same. Barcelona had all the possession while Getafe kept up their great work in defense. The home team couldn't find a way until Bojan was substituted for Henry. The French striker had a lot more sting than the youngster and made his presence felt as soon as he came in to no avail. Barcelona finally got the equalizer when Dani Alves' precise cross reached Keita's head inside the six-yard box. The play was the result of great thinking from Xavi who decided to open up the play towards Alves even though he had the ball right at the entrance of the 18-yard box. Less than ten minutes later, Getafe goalkeeper Abbondanzieri had to make a reflex save on Pique's header to keep his team alive.
Finally, the game ended 1-1. It's two points lost for Barcelona who are only three points in front of Madrid after last weekend's games.
Barcelona's line-up: Victor Valdes; Daniel Alves, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sylvinho; Seydou Keita, Yaya Toure, Xavi Hernandez; Aleksandr Hleb (Pedro Rodriguez, 55th), Samuel Eto'o, Bojan Krkic (Thierry Henry, 55th)
As a matter of fact, it was Getafe who scored first despite their defensive stance. At the 18th minute, striker Manu delivered a wonderful strike beating Victor Valdes in the lower-corner of the net. Barcelona tried to press harder after that, but Getafe's intensive man-marking prevented the home side from developping their elaborate passing game as they were often pressed into making quick decisions with the ball. The few plays they built were wasted by Bojan who was too rusty for such a demanding game. Barca's best opportunity came at the 38th minute after a superb run by Carles Puyol into the heart of Getafe's defense. The result was a powerful strike by Eto'o that bounced off the crossbar.
The second half was more of the same. Barcelona had all the possession while Getafe kept up their great work in defense. The home team couldn't find a way until Bojan was substituted for Henry. The French striker had a lot more sting than the youngster and made his presence felt as soon as he came in to no avail. Barcelona finally got the equalizer when Dani Alves' precise cross reached Keita's head inside the six-yard box. The play was the result of great thinking from Xavi who decided to open up the play towards Alves even though he had the ball right at the entrance of the 18-yard box. Less than ten minutes later, Getafe goalkeeper Abbondanzieri had to make a reflex save on Pique's header to keep his team alive.
Finally, the game ended 1-1. It's two points lost for Barcelona who are only three points in front of Madrid after last weekend's games.
Barcelona's line-up: Victor Valdes; Daniel Alves, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sylvinho; Seydou Keita, Yaya Toure, Xavi Hernandez; Aleksandr Hleb (Pedro Rodriguez, 55th), Samuel Eto'o, Bojan Krkic (Thierry Henry, 55th)
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