Ernesto Valverde has blamed Barcelona's goalless La Liga draw with Getafe on fatigue due to a hectic schedule.

The Blaugrana were held to a stalemate by Jose Bordalas's charges at Camp Nou on Sunday, failing to register a shot on target during the first half.

Luis Suarez was then denied late on by Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita as Valverde's men missed out on the chance to regain a nine-point cushion at the top of the table.

The Barca boss, whose side were playing their 12th game in 39 days, told the official club site: "We were lacking some freshness and rhythm, especially in the first half.

"Getafe are a team who stop you from playing so you don't get close to their box. As the game went on we attacked more and more and despite our best efforts it wasn't to be. They defended their box well and we lacked a bit of spark.

"We have had a busy month and have just reached a final. We can't win every game we play or be 100% all the time and this is why the coming week without a game comes at a great time for us to recover."

Barca return to action on Saturday with a trip to Eibar in La Liga.