Barcelona might solely muster a 1-1 draw at Getafe on Saturday in La Liga as they have been unable to recuperate floor on the highest two within the Spanish title race.
Jules Kounde despatched the guests forward early on however Mauro Arambarri levelled for Getafe within the first half and Barcelona couldn’t break down Jose Bordalas’ well-drilled aspect.
The draw leaves the third-place Catalans 5 factors behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who misplaced 1-0 at Leganes earlier within the day, however Hansi Flick’s aspect couldn’t take benefit.
After a droop within the closing weeks of 2024, Barcelona gained the Spanish Tremendous Cup final week after which thumped Actual Betis within the Copa del Rey, indicating they have been again to their greatest.
Nevertheless they dropped two factors on the highway of their first league match of 2025 as Getafe, sixteenth, scrapped their approach to a hard-fought level.
“It is not achieved but, we nonetheless have some matches to play and as I mentioned earlier than, we are going to battle till the top,” Flick informed reporters.
“At this time it is one level extra, not two factors much less. We missed (out on) two factors, however we’ve to look forwards and make it higher subsequent time.”
Flick chosen what has confirmed his strongest aspect in latest weeks to try to get a consequence at Getafe, towards whom the Catalans failed to attain on their earlier 4 away visits.
The Blaugrana didn’t have to attend lengthy to finish that run, with Kounde discovering the web within the ninth minute.
The French defender, who additionally scored within the Copa del Rey win towards Actual Betis in midweek, was cleverly fed by Pedri.
Though David Soria saved Kounde’s first effort, he was capable of flip the rebound house.
Nevertheless after that Barcelona got here up towards the identical previous struggles they’ve usually confronted on the Coliseum.
Getafe dug deep and didn’t enable striker Robert Lewandowski, La Liga’s high scorer, room to breathe.
The hosts pulled stage after 34 minutes when Coba’s effort was parried by Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, however Arambarri pounced to nudge house.
Getafe maintained their sometimes tight set-up after the break and made life laborious for Barcelona.
Raphinha ought to have struck for Barca within the closing minutes however hit the aspect netting from shut vary after Lamine Yamal discovered him with a swirling cross.
“It was a disgrace, the match, we had management of the sport and with one probability they scored one purpose towards us, it is a disgrace,” Kounde informed Movistar.
After the sport Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde reported racist abuse aimed toward him within the first half from some house supporters.
On Sunday Spanish and European champions Actual Madrid, second, host Las Palmas, aiming to maneuver high of La Liga.
– Griezmann blows penalty –
Antoine Griezmann missed a late penalty as leaders Atletico Madrid stumbled to a shock defeat at Leganes, ending a membership report run of 15 consecutive victories.
Matija Nastasic nodded Leganes forward early within the second half, with Griezmann dragging a poor penalty extensive within the closing levels to resign Atletico to a second defeat of the league season.
“I assumed we have been low on power, it wasn’t sufficient from us,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak informed DAZN.
“We’ll preserve our head up after (successful) 15 video games, we misplaced this one and we’ve to maintain going forwards… sadly the streak is over.”
Madrid minnows Leganes, fifteenth, battled properly in defence to maintain Atletico at bay within the first half, with Julian Alvarez and Griezmann hitting the woodwork.
Early within the second half, Serbian defender Nastasic headed Leganes in entrance from a nook, they usually protected their benefit with out a lot stress till controversially conceding a penalty for a debatable handball by Sergio Gonzalez.
Griezmann took accountability from the penalty spot, however rolled his Ninetieth-minute effort extensive of the purpose.
Atletico should now bounce again within the Champions League, the place they’re aiming to achieve the knock-out rounds, towards Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
“They have been 15 extraordinary video games, I really feel enormously proud at having set the (consecutive) successful report in Atletico’s historical past,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone informed DAZN.
“We now have to simply accept that defeat is a part of the sport and put together ourselves for Tuesday.”
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