Barcelona claimed a slender 2-1 win over Getafe in a typically dominant display of possession and penetration. A 25 yard screamer from Dani Alves set the hosts on their way in the first half as Bojan added a second but Manu del Moral made his opponent's grind out the win in the end.The Catalans wasted no time carving up the Getafe defence as Xavi was busy assuming his normal role as the conductor of this harmonised orchestra. Only eight minutes in, his clipped ball was chested down by the irrepressible Messi but his bicycle kick was volleyed straight at Jordi Codina in the away side's goal.
Less than 10 minutes later, Dani Alves broke the deadlock in style. A corner was half cleared by Cata Diaz and Alves thundered home a viciously swerving half-volley into the back of the net to send the Camp Nou faithful wild.
Some mesmeric runs by Messi and Iniesta should've produced more goals but a killer instinct was visibly lacking from the hosts. Javier Arizmendi was the only positive for Getafe as his intricate dribbling gave Adriano some bother down the right flank. Twice in the space of seconds, though, Iniesta and Bojan came close to doubling Barca's lead but both contrived to miss their opportunities, the latter placing his shot inches over the bar.
The onslaught continued throughout with David Villa's penetrative runs giving Michel's men the greatest cause for concern as chances galore were being created. Los Azulones would have been very grateful to go in at the break only a solitary goal down as Pep's men stamped their authority immediately after the restart.
Barcelona took the iniative to attack straight into the second half as they passed relentlessly, probing and looking for an opening. Messi only took five minutes to conjure up a chance for Bojan and the 20 year-old duly took the opportunity via a wicked deflection to put the game out of reach for the visitors. By now, it was a case of damage limitation for Getafe as they waited to be picked apart by the Catalans.
The teasing passing game of Barca had Michel's team beleaguered at the best of times but in the 70th minute, the deficit was nearly halved while the hosts momentarily took their foot off the pedal. Manu managed to head wide off the target and the gilt-edged chance evaporated in an instant.
However, the striker would get another chance but it proved too late. Mosquera's cross was clinically converted with the inside of the Manu's foot precisely into Valdes' far top corner. Barca eventually closed out the finals minutes of the game but broke some sweat towards the end.
The win streches Barcelona's lead in the Primera Division title race to eight points until Real Madrid kick-off later tonight. Getafe remain in 11th place on 34 points despite their endeavours.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment