Barcelona travelled to Getafe on Sunday looking to regain top spot in La Liga from Atletico Madrid.
The home side were 2-0 ahead inside 15 minutes courtesy of goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro Lopez, but Pedro struck a late first-half hat-trick to leave Barcelona 3-2 ahead at the interval.
The away side had their fourth 20 minutes from time when Cesc Fabregas scored from close range, before the Spaniard completed his brace from the penalty spot as the Catalan outfit moved top of the division.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries from La Liga comes from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Barcelona. The home side have lost two of their last three in the league, with that run of form dropping them into eighth spot. Meanwhile, Barcelona trail Atletico Madrid by three points at the top of the table.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Getafe. They did beat Barcelona 1-0 on their own patch in November 2011, but have lost four of the last five games, conceding 16 times in the process. The corresponding match last season ended in a 4-1 Barcelona win, with the Catalan outfit also 6-1 winners at the Camp Nou in February.
TEAMS:
GETAFE: Moya; Alexis, Valera, Lopez, Escudero; Borja, Lafita, Leon, Castro, Mosquera; Marica
BARCELONA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Iniesta, Busquets, Roberto; Sanchez, Fabregas, Pedro
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Getafe XI this afternoon with Diego Castro, Pedro Leon and Mosquera all selected. Ciprian Marica, meanwhile, leads the line once more. Barcelona are without the likes of Victor Valdes, Neymar and Lionel Messi, but Dani Alves returns. Pedro and Sergi Roberto are also selected from the start.
It has been fairly hit and miss for Getafe this season with the capital outfit showing their best and worst form throughout the early part of the campaign. They have won seven of their 16 games, drawing twice and losing seven, but they are just five points off the top six. If they can put a run together, a European place would not be out of the question.
Their home form has been fairly strong, meanwhile, with four wins, two draws and two defeats. Goals have been a problem for the home side this season with just 18 strikes in their 16 matches. Barcelona, meanwhile, have scored 44 times. Down the other end, Getafe have conceded 22 times to Barcelona’s 10.
Barcelona have won each of their last four matches in all competitions since losing to Athletic Bilbao at the start of the month, but they are still struggling for top form. They struggled past Villarreal in their last league match, while they have dropped to second in the table following Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 win over Levante on Saturday.
It is difficult to criticise a team that has been so successful, but it is important that the Catalan outfit continue to pick up points at this stage of the season. Atletico are showing no sign of slowing down, while Real Madrid are also on Barca’s tails. The goals have flowed in recent weeks, however, with 15 in their last four games in all competitions.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening on Sports Mole. Following this match we have action from San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome Rayo Vallecano, before the 8pm start sees Valencia host Real Madrid in what promises to be a fascinating fixture. Be sure to remain with us for all the action.
PREDICTION: Getafe will be buoyed by the news that Barcelona are without both Neymar and Lionel Messi this afternoon, but there is still an array of talent in the away side's XI. Getafe have the players to cause Barca problems, but I am not convinced that they will see enough of the ball. My score prediction is 3-1 Barcelona on this mild afternoon in Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital this afternoon. The away side get this La Liga contest underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is a strong atmosphere. It is a really positive start from the home side as Marica collects possession outside the box before testing Pinto, but the Barcelona stopper manages to make the save. Barcelona break down the right with Alves moments later, but Rafa fells the Brazilian right-back with a late challenge.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to take the lead as a deep free kick from Sanchez fells to Pique inside the box, but the centre-back brings a fine save from Moya in the Getafe goal. The home side wanted offside, but the decision was not forthcoming. Barcelona should be ahead inside four minutes.
Getafe just need to be careful here as they concede another free kick outside their box. This time Alves strikes from distance, but his effort is wide of the target. It appears that Fabregas is indeed operating through the middle this afternoon with Sanchez and Pedro on each wing. Plenty for the home supporters to get excited about as their team continue to attack the league champions.
It is almost accepted that Barcelona will take control of the possession at the start of each match, but that has simply not been the case in this one. Getafe are the team forcing the issue as Marica collects a deep free kick from Leon, but Pique is on hand to make a fine challenge. End-to-end opening eight minutes in the Spanish capital.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Barcelona have started to take control of the possession. Pedro has a mazy run down the right, but the move breaks down when Lago comes across to clear. Getafe break moments later with Marica, but the Romanian is left isolated in attack.
GOAL! Getafe 1-0 Barcelona (Escudero)
Getafe take the lead inside 10 minutes as Escudero breaks into the Barcelona box before smashing a low effort under Pinto from close range. The home team have been the better side and deserve their lead against the champions.
Positive response from the away side as Pedro collects possession in a wide area before delivering a low cross towards Roberto, but the Spanish midfielder cannot collect. Getafe break down the other end moments later with Leon, but Pique comes across to clear the low cross. Barcelona are in some real bother here.
GOAL! Getafe 2-0 Barcelona (Lopez)
Getafe score their second as Lopez emerges unmarked inside the Barcelona box before directing his header into the top corner. Awful marking from Barcelona. What on earth is going on?! The champions are 2-0 down inside 15 minutes here.
If any team can recover from this situation then it is Barcelona, but they just cannot get hold of the ball at the moment. Gerardo Martino parades the touchline with the look of a man that does not know what has happened. End-to-end football as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. What an opening 19 minutes it has been to this La Liga contest.
It's better from Barcelona as Alba drives down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the Getafe box, but Alexis is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting corner is delivered by Iniesta, but Lopez heads clear. Surely Barcelona have to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match.
Pedro has the ball in the back of the net for Barcelona as he rounds Moya before finding the bottom corner, but the Spanish international is ruled offside. It was tight, but perhaps just about the correct decision. If Barcelona can cut the deficit to 2-1, you would fancy them to recover. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Barcelona are not being allowed to take control of the possession at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Just a reminder that the away side are without the likes of Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Victor Valdes this afternoon. Getafe, however, have been magnificent thus far.
Half-chance for the away side as Alba delivers a deep cross into the Getafe box, but Alexis is on hand to clear under pressure from Sanchez. Fabregas collects possession moments later, but his pass asks too much from Pedro. This is a real test of Barcelona's title credentials there is no question about that.
Just a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico are top of La Liga on 46 points. Barcelona are second on 43, while Real Madrid have 38. Should this result stay the same and Real Madrid beat Valencia later this evening, the top three would be separated by just five points. That would set things up nicely for 2014. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with Getafe still leading 2-0.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Marica finds himself unmarked in the Barcelona box, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment. That would surely have been game over at 3-0. Will the Romanian be made to regret that missed chance?
Alves picks up a yellow card for Barcelona as the Brazilian fells Lafita on the left. The resulting set piece is whipped into the box by Leon, but it deflects wide of the post. The home side look dangerous each time they break forward at the moment. The same cannot be said of Barcelona, who continue to struggle in the final third. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Getafe 2-1 Barcelona (Pedro)
Barcelona cut the deficit to 2-1 as Pedro collects a through pass from Fabregas before lifting his effort over Moya. The Getafe goalkeeper did get a touch to the ball, but was unable to prevent it from dropping into the back of the net.
Pedro now has 12 goals for the season, but cannot break into Barcelona's first XI. Make of that what you will. If he is allowed to leave in January, there will be a number of interested suitors that is for certain. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could play a decisive role in the final result.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to level as Alves finds Roberto inside the box, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. It is all one-way traffic at the moment with the away side bossing proceedings.
GOAL! Getafe 2-2 Barcelona (Pedro)
Stunning, just stunning from Pedro. The Spanish international scores his second of the match as he collects a pass from Alba before curling one into the top corner from just inside the box. That's just about as good as it gets.
GOAL! Getafe 2-3 Barcelona (Pedro)
Good grief. Pedro scores his third in quick succession as he arrives inside the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. This is quite incredible!
Wow, what a half of football in the Spanish capital. Barcelona looked down and out at 2-0, but they are champions for a reason. Getafe just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to flood forward in numbers. Does La Liga have to break for the winter?
HALF TIME: Getafe 2-3 Barcelona
Well, I am not too sure what to say about that half of football. Barcelona were 2-0 down inside 15 minutes after goals from Escudero and Lopez, but a Pedro hat-trick has left Barcelona ahead at the interval. La Liga football of the very highest order in the Spanish capital.
STATISTICS: Barcelona dominated the possession in the first period with 72%, while they had eight attempts to Getafe's five. The biggest moment in the first period came at 2-0 Getafe when Marica advanced into the Barcelona box, but he took too long to release his effort. At 3-0, Barcelona would have found it difficult to respond.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Gavilan, Colunga and Sarabia. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of Dongou, Tello and Song in reserve. In truth, neither team is in need of attacking reinforcements at the moment. Some of the defending on the other hand, has been awful.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Athletic Bilbao against Rayo Vallecano - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway in Madrid. More of the same please.
As it stands, Barcelona would move back to the top of La Liga courtesy of goals scored. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this afternoon. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Can Getafe respond to conceding three times in the latter stages of the first period?
Bright start to the second half from Getafe as Marica finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Mascherano is on hand to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered by Leon, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in this La Liga contest.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Marica as Lafita finds the Getafe forward inside the Barcelona box, but his first touch is poor and Pinto is on hand to claim. The Catalan outfit's problems in defence continue, but they have such pace and movement in the final third.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Getafe are starting to enjoy more of the ball in the Barcelona half. The home side gain a free kick outside the box moments later, with Pique gaining a card for the challenge on Castro, but the resulting set piece is headed over the crossbar by Alexis.
Marica again causes Barcelona problems as he drives down the right, but Alba is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered right under the crossbar, but the danger is scrambled clear. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital. It is so delicately poised.
Barcelona are controlling the game at the moment as they keep hold of the possession in the middle of the park, which is causing frustration in the stands. We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Getafe are not exactly blessed with out-and-out strikers, but they have attacking options in reserve.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to level as Castro finds some space inside the Barcelona box, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. How has he missed? Getafe do indeed make their first change of the match moments later as Colunga replaces Ciprian, who has once more struggled to produce the goods.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Pedro spots the run of Fabregas before floating a cross into the box, but Moya is out to claim at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this match. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome in Madrid.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Fabregas as Alves delivers a wonderful cross to the far post, but the Barcelona midfielder cannot make contact under pressure from Lopez. A fourth goal for Barcelona could secure all the points. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Half-chance for Sanchez this time as the Chilean collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from the home side as an attacking threat in the last few moments as Barcelona control the possession. Is there to be late drama in this one?
GOAL! Getafe 2-4 Barcelona (Fabregas)
Barcelona have their fourth as Pedro finds Fabregas at the far post and the Spaniard makes no mistake as he volleys one into the top corner. That could well be all three points for Barcelona.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Pedro to score his fourth as he bursts beyond the Getafe defence, but this time the Spanish international lifts his effort over the crossbar. It has been some response from the champions, who are heading back to the top of the table.
Handbags between both sets of players after a late challenge involving Lisandro Lopez, which gains the Getafe defender a yellow card. However, the referee is quickly on the scene to calm proceedings.
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
Change for Getafe as Sarabia replaces Castro. Fabregas will have the chance to find the back of the net and surely secure all three points for the away side.
GOAL! Getafe 2-5 Barcelona (Fabregas, pen)
The penalty arrived when Pedro was felled inside the box by Borja. It was a clumsy challenge from the Spaniard and it might have cost his side the chance to take something from this match. It has been some response from Barcelona to falling 2-0 behind.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Barcelona keeping hold of the possession. It is almost as if Getafe are not too sure what has happened. They were incredible in the early exchanges, but have been blown away since then. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
Both sides make changes with little more than 10 minutes remaining. Gavilan replaces Lafita for the home side, while Tello enters the field in place of Pedro, who scored that stunning hat-trick in the first period.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Athletic Bilbao against Rayo Vallecano, before Real Madrid travel to Valencia in the late start. Be sure to remain with us for all the action. Not too much to report in this one as Barcelona continue to boss possession of the ball with 81 minutes on the clock.
Dazzling football from the away side as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Alba looks for the run of Alexis with a sweeping pass, but Lopez is on hand to clear the danger at the vital moment. It appears that Barcelona are preparing to make another change with Bartra warming up.
Getafe just cannot get the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to frustrate the home side. The referee has been forced into action on a number of occasions, meanwhile, as the challenges continue to occur in the middle of the park. Barcelona do indeed make another change as Fabregas is replaced by Song.
Half-chance for Tello this time as the Spanish international finds some space inside the Getafe box, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment. Getafe continue to chase shadows as Alba drives down the left, but his cross is straight into the arms of Moya.
Barcelona make their third and final change in the latter stages as Busquets is replaced by Bartra. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Possession football for the away side as they continue to play down the clock.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Sanchez to made it 6-2 in the latter stages as he drives into the Getafe box, but the Chilean can only drag his effort wide of the post.
FULL TIME: Getafe 2-5 Barcelona
So there we have it. Barcelona will top the table at Christmas following a 5-2 win over Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Rayo. Until then!
