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Barcelona took on Getafe at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys late on Wednesday night as they looked to extend their run in La Liga to seven straight wins.
As clashes between the two teams have been in recent years, the 90 minutes at Montjuic were hard-fought and full of tenacity as it saw two contrasting styles clash on the field.
Hansi Flick’s side made a relatively slow start to the game and were under pressure in the opening spell. Robert Lewandowski’s opener, however, altered the dynamics and brought control back for the Blaugrana.
The second half was once again closely fought with neither side getting too many opportunities to score. In the end, the Catalans held onto their lead to take a seventh straight win.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona vs Getafe.
Inaki Pena: 7
Starting his first game for Barcelona this season, the academy graduate was solid with his saves yet shaky at times perhaps owing to the nerves. Made one save on the night and completed close to 95% of his passes.
Jules Kounde: 9
In a matter of years, Kounde has gone from being an elite centre-back to one of the best right-backs in the world and his performance against Getafe only added to that claim.
While solid defensively, Kounde starred in the final third for Barcelona, often providing width on the flank as Yamal drifted centrally.
Earned a deserved assist for the opening goal with an elite cross into the box after a combination play with the 17-year-old phenom.
Pau Cubarsi: 7
A relatively silent night for Cubarsi who was not tested in defence as much as he would have liked to be.
Comfortable with his distribution and recorded three clearances on the night. Made a vital save to deny Getafe a goal late in the game.
Inigo Martinez: 7.5
The veteran defender has well and truly taken over the reins as Barcelona’s leader in defence and his ball-playing abilities were once more phenomenal on the night.
Martinez heavily contributed to the buildup and transitions, especially with his cross-field ball to Jules Kounde on the right and calm distribution.
Did well to hold off Carles Perez who looked inspired in certain spells on the game with pace and tenacity.
Alejandro Balde: 7
Balde was the more underwhelming of the two full-backs on the night and struggled to carry the ball into the final third with conviction.
Did well with his combination play but lacked the offensive end product one would expect of him.
Eric Garcia: 7
A run-of-the-mill performance from the Spaniard in his newfound niche as he settled comfortably alongside Casado in the double pivot. While he was not as overtly involved in defence, his distribution aided the team in the buildup phase.
Marc Casado: 8
A rock in Barcelona’s midfield, Casado enjoyed an exceptional game and fought blow for blow against La Liga’s most physical side in the middle of the park.
Regularly broke the visitors’ passing channels and won possession back for Barcelona, even pushing forward fearlessly in the first half.
Pablo Torre: 7.5
Making his second successive start for Barcelona, Torre was spirited with his presence and added a lot to the Catalan attack.
Played as the central attacking midfielder, constantly finding spaces between the lines and showing great understanding with Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Completed the game with one key pass, 44 touches and nine defensive actions.
Lamine Yamal: 9
The youngster had a relatively silent first half as he was heavily marked, yet managed to play a key role in the opener providing the pre-assist.
More direct and magical with his dribbles after the break as he adopted a more central role to get through Getafe’s compact lines.
Had a great go at goal at the hour mark and would have had a Golazo to his name had it not been for a stunning David Soria save and hit the crossbar not too long later.
Raphinha: 8.5
Taking over the captain’s armband at Montjuic, Raphinha led by example with passion in his every duel, attacking foray and giving his all for every half-challenge. Recorded three key passes and completed over 80% of his passes against Getafe.
Robert Lewandowski: 9
The Pichichi leader further extended his lead in the race with a striker’s finish in the first half, capitalising on Kounde’s perfect assist to net his seventh goal of the season.
Was a constant threat in the box and contributed well to the buildup by attracting defenders towards him.
