Three takeaways for Hansi Flick from Barcelona 1-0 Getafe | La Liga

Barcelona took all three points once more in Wednesday night’s La Liga clash, extending their record to seven wins in as many games so far this season.

To put it into perspective, Hansi Flick’s side have equalled the team’s second-best start to a season in history and to do so with half the team injured is no mean feat.

Getafe put up a stiff challenge on the night, fighting hard in every duel and giving the Catalans attack a hard time as expected.

However, a goal from Robert Lewandowski early in the first half was sufficient to set them apart and provide the match-winning margin, taking the team to 21 points in seven games.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways for Hansi Flick from Barcelona 1-0 Getafe.

The sternest test

After winning their last three La Liga games scoring seven, four and five goals respectively, Barcelona’s game against Getafe stood out as the Catalans managed just the one goal margin on the night.

As the manager conveyed after the game, every win gives three points irrespective of the margin. However, there are multiple aspects behind the narrow scoreline on the night that were visible on the field.

Of all the various factors involved, the sheer difference in football philosophy between Barcelona and Getafe was perhaps the single biggest one.

Over the years, Jose Bordalas’ side has come to be known for their closely stitched defence and low block, especially against Barcelona.

With two lines of four sticking compact in front of the Getafe box and Luis Milla operating as a pivot of sorts, playing through Getafe has become a serious challenge for Barcelona in recent times.

Last night once more, the visitors did not give Hansi Flick’s men much to work with in terms of spaces as they dropped back deep and defended with everything.

They committed 15 fouls, had just 22% possession and recorded a staggering 22 tackles against the league leaders. While the narrow scoreline may be concerning, the fact that the team created several chances under such circumstances can only be a positive takeaway.

Starting with a clean sheet

Of the six games Barcelona had played ahead of kickoff last night, they had overseen just one clean sheet which came during the 7-0 win over Real Valladolid.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season ended in the last game against Villarreal after he suffered a gruesome knee injury, bringing Inaki Pena into the fray.

The homegrown star started his first game last night and brought home Barcelona’s second clean sheet of the season in what can only be described as a positive start.

Pena did not have a whole lot of shot-stopping to do on the night as he recorded just one save from inside the box and four successful runs out.

With 86% pass accuracy, his distribution was relatively solid and the manager will indeed be pleased with the clean sheet.

The 25-year-old will continue as the starting goalkeeper for Barcelona, likely until the international break at least and must look to keep the steam going. The signing of Wojciech Szczesny, after all, brings formidable competition.

Fatigue setting in

If Getafe’s style of play was one reason behind Barcelona squeezing past the visitors, another major factor that was visible on the field was that fatigue was beginning to set into the team now.

Hansi Flick made minor rotations to the team, resting Pedri and bringing Pau Cubarsi back into the mix. With a game every three days, however, there is only so much Flick can do.

Dealing with eight major injuries, the German manager has his hands tied to start a majority of the team game after game. While the team were productive with their passes and inspired on the field, Barcelona certainly showed diminished energy and stamina.

Players like Inigo Martinez, Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde have played with barely any rest, with the teenager particularly looking tired in the first half. They did pick up steam later on, but it is undeniable at this point that fatigue is setting in.

Flick must thus be wary for the upcoming days as the Catalans still have three games before the international break. Managing minutes will be key, at least until the end of the international break when some midfielders will return.