Narrow win, but an impressive performance (0-1)

Narrow win, but an impressive performance (0-1)

Barca chalked up their sixth La Liga win on the trot against Getafe tonight, thanks to a first half Messi goal. Guardiola’s men dominated the game from start to finish, could have had the whole game wrapped up in the first half hour and never looked
Barca’s dominance was such that Getafe didn’t manage a single shot on target during the game and the hosts had their keeper Stojkovic and the Barca forwards wastefulness to thank for the fact that they didn’t receive a hatful of goals. In the end, it was just Messi’s 19th minute goal that counted and separated the two teams – at least on the score sheet.

Messi takes his chance

Guardiola’s team were clearly fired up for this game and began at a stunning pace. Henry had three great chances within the first 15 minutes which he failed to convert, but Messi didn’t make any mistake when his chance came along on 19 minutes, rounding off yet another beautiful Barca move from within the six-yard box.

Stojkovic keeps

Getafe in the game Barca were virtually camped out in the Getafe area now, with the whole team contributing to some lovely controlled football, which deserved much more than a single goal lead at half time. That the scoreline didn’t move was in large part down to Stojkovic in the Getafe goal, who made great saves from Pique and Messi. This was one of Barca’s best 45 minutes of the season, despite the minimum advantage they took back into the dressing room at the break.

Pace drops

Not surprisingly perhaps, the second half was a more relaxed affair, with Barca maintaining their dominance but not making as many clear chances as they had done in the first period. This was controlled and disciplined football from Barca, who proved they can hold onto a result much as they did in the second half against Valladolid.

Messi goal ruled offside

Even so, the game appeared to be all over when Keita’s shot was parried out by Stojkovic to Messi, who fired home only to have his goal disallowed for an inexistent off side. Soon after, Eto’o saw his excellent effort frustrated by the woodwork, but it wasn’t to matter as Barca played out the rest of the game to take three very valuable points and, with Madrid playing later at Recreativo, stretch their lead again to 9 points at the top of the table.