Barcelona expanded their advantage at the top of La Liga after a goal from Spain international Pedri was enough to secure a win against Getafe at home. Xavi’s side fought to beat the relegation-threatened visitors without suspended attackers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. However, Pedri’s well-worked fifth goal secured a 14th league victory.
Barcelona expands lead at the top of La Liga
The Catalans have opened up a six-point lead over Real Madrid, who play later on Sunday. Ansu Fati, 20, of Spain, failed to fill up for leading scorer Lewandowski. Barcelona’s main threat came from wide players, including France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Brazil’s Raphinha. Raphinha, a summer acquisition from Leeds United, breached the Getafe defence in the 35th minute with a beautiful low cross from the left that Pedri side-footed in on the stretch.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Germany kept Barcelona’s league record of only six goals conceded this season, rising tall to block Borja Mayoral’s shot before the break after the visiting striker had seized on Pedri’s weak attempted back ball. After the break, Getafe, who are 17th in the table and narrowly outside the relegation zone on goal difference, continued to torment their hosts.
Late in the game, substitute midfielder Franck Kessie had a snap effort saved, and the hosts were almost punished in the third minute of stoppage time, but former Real Madrid man Juanmi Latasa planted his free header straight at Ten Stegen. Barcelona stretched their league unbeaten streak to eight games and will welcome back Lewandowski and Torres for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Sociedad at home (20:00 GMT).
