Afternoon all! Sports Mole's La Liga coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome relegation-threatened Getafe. The home side have won their last two in the league, but trail leaders Atletico Madrid by four points with just three to play. Getafe, meanwhile, are just two points outside of the bottom three despite beating Malaga last time out. Right, the team news has already filtered through...

So there we have it. Still no Neymar, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique or Carlos Puyol for the home side. Marc Bartra continues in central defence alongside Javier Mascherano, while Cesc Fabregas is once more left out of the XI. Getafe, meanwhile, are without Pedro Leon and Ciprian Marica, who are both suspended, but Adrian Colunga is available following a slight niggle. There are also spots in the XI for Pablo Sarabia and Angel Lafita.

In truth, it has been a disappointing season for Barcelona. They were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid last month, before losing the final of the Copa del Rey to Real Madrid. Sandwiched between those two results was a 1-0 defeat at Granada in the league, with that result taking the title out of their own hands. As it stands, they need a miracle to retain the trophy this season.

In truth, it has been a disappointing season for Barcelona. They were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid last month, before losing the final of the Copa del Rey to Real Madrid. Sandwiched between those two results was a 1-0 defeat at Granada in the league, with that result taking the title out of their own hands. As it stands, they need a miracle to retain the trophy this season.

Goals in general have certainly not been a problem for Barca this season, with 97 in their 35 games making them the second highest scorers in the league behind Real Madrid. The same cannot be said for Getafe, however, who have managed just 30 goals thus far. Down the other end, Barcelona have conceded 30 times – the second best record in the league behind leaders Atletico Madrid – to Getafe's 51.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won each of the last five matches, scoring 21 times in the process and conceding just five. The corresponding match last season ended in a 6-1 home win, while Barcelona were 5-2 winners when they travelled to Getafe earlier this season. What's more, Gerardo Martino's side knocked Getafe out of the Copa del Rey on route to the final this season.

As mentioned, Getafe enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Malaga last weekend. They have won two of their last five in the league, but remain in deep trouble with just three games remaining. As it stands, they occupy 16th position in the table. They have collected 35 points from their 35 games this season – the same number as Osasuna – but sit just two points ahead of 18th-place Almeria and three ahead of 19th-place Real Valladolid, who have a game in hand. Little over 10 minutes until kickoff in Barcelona...

Getafe's away form has been a problem this season with 11 of their 18 league defeats coming on their travels. They have also scored just 11 times on the road, which is the joint-fewest number of goals alongside Osasuna. Following this match, they host Sevilla, before travelling to capital outfit Rayo Vallecano on the final weekend of the campaign. It promises to be a fascinating conclusion at both ends of the table.

PREDICTION: Barcelona do not enter this match in the best form, but in truth, I think they will have far too much for Getafe this afternoon. The away side are set up to play on the counter, but I just worry whether they will see enough of the ball throughout the 90 minutes. For me, there is only one winner at the Camp Nou. My score prediction is 3-0 Barcelona, with Messi on the scoresheet once more.

Even if Atletico, who sit four points above Barcelona, drop points, then Real Madrid could move above the Catalan outfit if they win their game in hand. The omens for this particular match are strong, however, with Barca winning 16 of their 17 home games in the league this season, scoring 61 times in the process – the most in the league – and conceding just 12. Right, both players are on the pitch ahead of kickoff in Barcelona.

Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Getafe need to get through the opening 20 minutes if they are to take something from the match. Barcelona will be keen to come out the traps quickly. Right, the away side get the action underway.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession, but Getafe threaten the home side's back four with a driven cross from Colunga. Mascherano is on hand to clear, however, before Busquets feeds Pedro down the left.

First half-chance of the match comes to the home side as Adriano finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Getafe stopper. The visitors play long from the back towards Sarabia, but the midfielder is crowded out by Alves in defence.

Possession football from Barcelona as Xavi and Iniesta continue to exchange passes outside the Getafe box, but the away side have defended well thus far. Colunga leads a break for the visitors moments later, but the Spaniard is challenged by Xavi. Moments later, Lacen hits the deck and stays there for Getafe, but it does appear that the midfielder will be able to continue. Still goalless after six minutes of football.

Lacen does indeed return to the field following a period of treatment. Barcelona build from the back moments later with Alves, who drives into the Getafe half before finding Pedro, but his cross is straight into the arms of Cesar. We have not seen too much from Messi or Sanchez in the early exchanges this afternoon.

Another half-chance for Barcelona as Adriano collects a floated pass from Xavi before drilling a low cross into the Getafe box, but once more there are no takers. Job done in the opening 10 minutes for Getafe.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Getafe handing possession back to the home side twice in quick succession. Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the box, but there is no real width at the moment, with Getafe able to flood central areas. Pedro and Iniesta manage to exchange passes inside the box, but Rafa is across to clear at the vital moment.

Barcelona continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Rafa and Alexis take it in turns to clear the danger. Getafe attempt to break moments later, but once more the move breaks down outside the home side's box. It seems only a matter of time for Barca, but it has been a fairly laboured start.

Well, 17 minutes into this match and in truth, not too much is happening. Barcelona are in control of the ball, but Getafe have found it fairly straight-forward to deal with the threat. A couple of crosses arrive from Adriano in quick succession, but Alexis remains dominant in the air. Still goalless this afternoon.

More frustration for Barcelona as Alves attempts to combine with Sanchez in the final third, but finds the Chilean in an offside position. It has been poor from the Catalan outfit thus far. Getafe have not shown too much in the way of an attacking threat, but their goalkeeper Cesar has hardly had a save to make.

Nervous moment for Pinto in the Barcelona goal as a corner from Sarabia causes all sorts of problems inside the box, but the Spaniard does manage to claw clear at the vital moment. Barcelona launch an immediate counter with Messi, but Lacen is across to make the challenge. First real threat from the visitors.

Half-chance for Barcelona as Pedro finds some space just outside the Getafe box before striking towards goal, but Rafa is on hand to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered towards Bartra, but the centre-back cannot made enough contact to trouble Cesar. Better from the home side, who have upped the tempo.

Finally Barcelona take the lead with 23 minutes on the clock. It is brilliant work from Alves who drives down the right before rolling a low cross towards Messi, who arrows one into the top corner. Sensational finish.

You have to worry for Getafe at this stage of proceedings. Suddenly everyone in a Barcelona shirt wants the ball as Iniesta combines with Xavi before rolling a low ball into Sanchez, but Rafa clears at the vital moment. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining and the home side are in total control.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to score their second as Pedro drives into the Getafe box before attempting to drill one into the bottom corner, but Cesar is on hand to make a brilliant save.

As it stands, Barcelona would be one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who would have a game in hand. Getafe, meanwhile, would remain in 16th position. The away side threaten with a deep free kick into the Barcelona box, but Alexis is penalised for a late and high challenge on Barca right-back Alves.

Free kick for Getafe just outside the Barcelona box as Mascherano, who injures himself in the process, brings Lafita to the ground with a late challenge. The resulting set piece is taken by Sarabia, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Decent period for the visitors, but Barcelona remain 1-0 ahead.

Escudero takes a sore one from Alves following a block just outside the Getafe box in a period which has seen injuries for both sides. Barcelona have a corner moments later, but Bartra is penalised for a push on Rafa inside the box. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. At 1-0, Getafe are still in this.

BOOKING! Mascherano enters the book for Barcelona following a late challenge on Sammir. The Argentine had slipped outside his own box and in attempt to regain the ball, pulled Sammir to the ground.

Getafe level with 37 minutes on the clock as Lafita takes control of a high ball inside the Barcelona box before rattling one into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish, but the home side are not happy. They think that Lafita handled before striking towards the bottom corner.

BOOKING! Alves is booked for Barcelona following a late challenge on Lafita.

Well, the atmosphere has certainly changed inside the stadium. Barcelona were comfortable, but Getafe are now full of confidence following their equaliser. Iniesta attempts to dance into the Getafe box after combining with Messi, but Rafa is on hand to clear the danger. Little over three minutes of the half remaining.

BOOKING! Lafita now enters the book for Getafe following a challenge on Xavi.

Half-chance for the home side as Sanchez collects a pass from Alves before drilling into the Getafe box, but he just loses control at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. More frustration for Barcelona.

More frustration for Barcelona as they are forced to kick out of play after Colunga goes to ground following a challenge with Bartra. There did not seem to be too much in that, but the striker is on the deck.

SUB! Getafe are forced into a change in the latter stages of the half as Gavilan enters the field in place of Colunga.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sanchez in the latter stages of the half as the Chilean drives into the Getafe box, but his effort is wide of the post. That will be the final act of the first period.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Messi sent Barcelona ahead after 23 minutes, but Lafita levelled with an arrowed finish late in the half. The linesman initially signalled that the Getafe midfielder had handled, but the referee awarded the goal.

STATISTICS: Barcelona had 79% of the ball in the first period, while they had seven attempts - three of which were on target. Getafe, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their three attempts. There has been three yellow cards issued, meanwhile, with the referee taking exception to a number of late challenges. Plenty possession for the home side, but not too much in the way of clear opportunities.

BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Fabregas, Afellay and Tello. Meanwhile, Getafe have the likes of Michel and Mosquera in reserve, but have already been forced into one change, with Gavilan replacing Colunga late in the half.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. An early Barcelona goal would certainly settle some of the nerves inside the stadium, but there will need to be a serious improvement from the home side. Right, the Catalan outfit get the second 45 minutes of football underway.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is no too surprising at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 1-1 for the next 20 minutes or so. Bright start from Barca as Alexis drives a low cross into the box, but Rafa is on hand to clear.

Half-chance for the home side as Iniesta meets a loose ball inside the Getafe box, but his header is straight into the arms of Cesar. Another opportunity arrives when Messi strikes one from distance, but once more the Getafe stopper makes the save. It has been a positive start to the second 45 minutes from the home side.

The onslaught continues as Alves drives down the right before finding Sanchez, who faces up to Escudero, but the Getafe defender manages to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but this time, Alexis heads clear. Getafe just cannot get out of their own half at the moment.

The onslaught continues as Alves drives down the right before finding Sanchez, who faces up to Escudero, but the Getafe defender manages to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but this time, Alexis heads clear. Getafe just cannot get out of their own half at the moment.

CROSSBAR! Another chance for the home side as Sanchez chests an Alves cross towards goal, but it hits the top of the crossbar before the danger is cleared. Adriano has possession outside the Getafe area moments later, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Can Getafe survive this pressure?

The pressure continues as Iniesta combines with Adriano before driving a cross towards the near post, but it goes straight behind for a corner. We are getting to the stage of the match where Barca boss Martino will be considering changes. Little under 35 minutes remaining. Barcelona simply cannot afford to drop points here.

Another half-chance for the home side as Messi dances into the box before finding Pedro, but he curls his effort straight into the arms of Cesar. Getafe just cannot get out of their own half at the moment. It is difficult to imagine them holding on for the next 30 minutes or so. Still all square at the Camp Nou.

Opportunity for Getafe to threaten from a set piece as Gavilan is felled by Adriano. The former delivers into the Barcelona box, but there are no takers and the home side regain the ball. Sanchez is down the other end for Barcelona in the next attack, but once more the Chilean loses possession as more groans can be heard.

Getafe threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Bartra and Iniesta take it in turns to clear the danger. Still no movement on the Barcelona bench, but Martino has options in the shape of Fabregas and Tello. Pedro delivers towards Messi in the next attack, but Alexis is on hand to clear at the vital moment.

More danger for Getafe as Pedro goes outside his marker before delivering towards Alexis, but somehow Escudero comes across to clear at the vital moment. Still plenty of time for Barcelona to find a winner here as they continue to pass and probe inside the box. Getafe are living a charmed life that is for certain.

SUB! First change for Barcelona as Fabregas replaces Mascherano.

Finally Barcelona have their second after 67 minutes as Sanchez strokes home from close range after Pedro had driven into the box. The frustration is lifted around the Camp Nou and Getafe must now come out.

SUB! Second change for the away side as Mosquera replaces Sammir.

Another half-chance for the home side as Pedro collects a loose ball inside the box before attempting to strike one towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Barcelona are in control of the possession, but they will want another to be sure of the points. Getafe need to find a second wind here.

Half-chance for Getafe as Lafita meets a cross from Sarabia inside the Barcelona box, but Pinto is on hand to make the save before releasing Sanchez in a wide position. Barcelona have an opportunity moments later as Messi finds Alves with a floated cross, but the Brazilian right-back can only plant his header wide.

Getafe just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to dominate possession in the final third. Busquets has dropped into a defensive position, but is still joining in with the midfield. It is almost like a pre-season match as the home side pass and probe. A third appears to be on the cards.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Messi to score his second as the Argentine sneaks into the Getafe box before lifting his effort over the onrushing goalkeeper, but it just drops high of the crossbar.

Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments, but Getafe have started to venture into the Barcelona half. Surely they would rather have a go and lose this 3-1, than just settle for a 2-1 defeat. As it stands, they would be just two points out of the drop zone with two games remaining.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Sarabia as the Getafe attacker arrives unmarked inside the Barcelona box, but his effort is straight at Pinto. What an opportunity at this stage of proceedings!

Getafe have started to venture into the Barcelona half in the last couple of minutes, with Sarabia and Gavilan both involved in the final third. Surely the away side would rather have a go and lose 3-1, than whimper to a 2-1 defeat. As it stands, they would be just two points outside of the relegation zone.

Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments as time continues to drift away at the Camp Nou. A win would be enough to keep Barcelona in the title race, but they still need Atletico Madrid and indeed Real Madrid to slip up. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.

SUB! Getafe make their third and final change as Michel replaces Lacen.

SUB! Barcelona make their second change of the match as Song replaces Xavi.

BOOKING! Adriano is booked for Barcelona for time-wasting.

SUB! Third and final change for Barcelona as Tello replaces Pedro.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Not too much to report in terms of chances as Barcelona continue to dominate the ball. It seems that they are just going to stumble over the line this afternoon. It has not been a great performance.

OH MY WORD! Getafe level in the second minute of stoppage time as Lafita plants a powerful header into the back of the net. The Camp Nou has been stunned into silence. What a moment for the visitors.

So there we have it. Barcelona's title challenge has surely come to an end following a 2-2 draw with Getafe at the Camp Nou. Another blow for the Catalan outfit in what has been a disappointing season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!