Fresh off their Champions League triumph over Newcastle United, Barcelona now turn their attention back to La Liga, where they face a tricky test against Getafe on Sunday night.
The defending Spanish champions sit second in the table with 10 points from their opening four games. Getafe are not far behind, having also started strongly with three wins in four matches, leaving them just a point adrift in fourth place.
Barcelona underlined their European ambitions on Thursday with a composed performance at St James’ Park, where Marcus Rashford scored twice to secure a memorable victory over Newcastle. But Hansi Flick’s side cannot afford to dwell on midweek celebrations, as the fight at the top of La Liga is already intense with rivals Real Madrid maintaining a perfect record.
Domestically, Barça have collected three wins and a draw so far, including a ruthless 6-0 thrashing of Valencia last weekend. They remain unbeaten, but the margins are slim, and any slip could see them fall behind Madrid before the October international break.
For now, the Catalans must continue playing at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, with Camp Nou still under renovation. Though the 6,000-capacity ground is a temporary home, it already proved to be a fortress in their demolition of Valencia. Flick’s men will hope it brings similar fortune against Getafe.
The schedule is relentless, with five matches packed in before the break. League fixtures against Getafe, Real Oviedo, Real Sociedad, and Sevilla, alongside a marquee Champions League clash with PSG.
Getafe, led by José Bordalás, come into the contest refreshed after a 2-0 win over Real Oviedo last weekend. They’ve made an excellent start with nine points from four games, a huge improvement on last season’s 13th-place finish. Their only stumble came away to Valencia, but otherwise the Deep Blue Ones look confident and organized.
History, however, is not on their side. Getafe have beaten Barcelona just four times, the most recent back in October 2020. They have never won away to the Catalans, though the fact this fixture will not be played at Camp Nou might just give them a glimmer of hope.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Lamine Yamal missed Barcelona’s clash with Newcastle on Thursday because of a groin problem, and it would be a surprise to see the young Spanish star return in time for this weekend’s match. Hansi Flick is expected to take a cautious approach with his recovery, while Marc Andre ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi also remain unavailable.
There was a brief scare over Pau Cubarsi after he picked up a knock against Newcastle, but the defender has been declared fit. Even so, he is likely to be rested against Getafe as part of the rotation.
Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski may also make way, with Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres pushing for starting roles. Marcus Rashford, fresh from his Champions League brace, should keep his place in the lineup.
Getafe, meanwhile, have far fewer concerns. Juanmi is a doubt with a knee issue, but the rest of the squad looks strong. Adrian Liso has been one of their standout performers this season, already scoring three times, and he is expected to partner Borja Mayoral in attack.
Luis Milla has been equally influential, providing four assists in four games, and he will feature in midfield alongside Mario Martin, who continues to grow in importance for José Bordalás’ side.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
J Garcia; Kounde, E Garcia, Araujo, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Rashford; Torres
Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Dakonam, Abqar, Duarte; Femenia, Martin, Milla, Arambarri, Rico; Mayoral, Liso
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 3-1 Getafe
