Barcelona dropped more points on Sunday after a lackluster performance against Getafe ended in a scoreless draw, although they are still 11 points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga. Antoine Griezmann scored twice as third-place Atletico Madrid defeated Almeria 2-1 at home to keep his team in scintillating form. A 2-0 home loss to Sevilla, who play Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday, sent Valencia deeper into the relegation mire.
Although Champions League-leading Madrid narrowed Barcelona’s advantage with a win over Cadiz on Saturday, it now appears improbable that Madrid will catch Barcelona in the season’s last nine games; yet, Xavi Hernandez’s team is stumbling to the finish line. Barcelona drew 0-0 at home against Girona on Monday, their second consecutive scoreless draw. The team is still in a funk after losing to Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals back in April.
La Liga leaders Barca lost points again.
Aside from keeping their 22nd clean sheet of the season, Getafe (15th) didn’t threaten Barca’s defense much. Xavi agreed with Ter Stegen that the poor quality of the surface was a factor in the outcome, but he stressed that Barca could not use it as an excuse. After a slow start at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, the Catalans created the first clear chance when Raphinha shot against the post, and Balde followed up by hitting the same post. Adding to Barcelona’s long list of absentees, Sergi Roberto limped off the pitch after appearing to damage his hamstring.
The league leaders have struggled without Ousmane Dembele, an explosive winger, and Pedri, a dynamic midfielder. Getafe was pleased with a draw, and they sat back as Barcelona pressed for an opening and found David Soria in their way. However, Borja Mayoral came close to scoring a winner for the home team on the break. Xavi’s team is still the favorite to win the league for the first time since 2019, but a loss to Atletico next weekend at home might cast serious doubt on their chances.
After Valencia, in 18th place, lost at Mestalla, Getafe moved four points clear of the relegation zone. After a tense match, Sevilla prevailed over a Manchester United team that had late player Ilaix Moriba sent off. Next week, Sevilla will host Manchester United in the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal. Sevilla defender Loic Bade scored the opening goal of the second half at Mestalla, and Sevilla forward Suso added a second.
