Getafe and Barça face off this Saturday, October 18, in a match corresponding to matchday 20 of LaLiga EA Sports. The game starts at 9:00 PM, following the cup round that took place midweek. It can be watched through Movistar + LaLiga, LaLiga TV BAR, and minute-by-minute updates on our social media @carpetasblaugranas
The referee for the match will be Pablo González Fuertes, interestingly the same official who officiated in the first round. In the VAR, he will be joined by José Hernández Maeso, another who repeats from that 1-0. In that match there was controversy, Lewandowski asked for a penalty, but after reviewing it, González Fuertes decided it wasn't when there was contact.
How Getafe Arrives
The Azulones come to this duel in one of their best moments, especially in terms of results, after securing victory against Las Palmas. Bordalás's team has also qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey after overcoming Pontevedra. Currently, they occupy the 15th position, just 3 points more than Espanyol, which is in the salvation zone.
Regarding the latest encounters, the Madrilenians have known how to counteract the Culers on several occasions, although they haven't won since 2020. What is true is that in the last 5 matches played at the Coliseum, they've only lost once. The rest have been goalless draws and the previously mentioned 1-0 victory with a goal from Jaime Mata.
The only absence they have is Nyom, the Cameroonian fullback is expected to return next week. Bordalás has commented in a press conference that Borja Mayoral is fine, but that they need to go "little by little with him." He also clarified that he doesn't care about the criticism regarding his play style and that being among the top 8 in the Cup "has enormous merit."
How Barça Arrives
The Catalan team once again has that aura of a dominant team, exuding similar sensations to those they had at the beginning of the year. The two "manitas" in a row have filled a team with confidence that, although very young, plays as if they have more experience. To that, we must add that Araújo's situation has changed, as everything seems to indicate that his renewal is a fact.
In the pre-match press conference, Flick wasn't clear when asked about who would be the starting goalkeeper. However, he was more decisive when asked if Ansu had requested to leave, as he assured that nothing of the sort had been communicated to him. He didn't want to comment on the refereeing of the Madrid-Celta match nor on whether he would like to have any reinforcements in the winter market.
The best news is the return of Christensen, the Danish center-back already has medical clearance and could have minutes in the upcoming matches. As for absences, the already known ones of Bernal and Ter Stegen remain.
Match Keys
Few spaces: one of the most important aspects of this match is the alarming lack of spaces that will be present. Bordalás's team will try to lock themselves in as much as possible and look for a counter or set-piece play. Therefore, the accuracy of the Culers' fullbacks is crucial, as they will be the ones to provide width to the team.
Be patient: the blaugrana players are well aware of Getafe's style, which allows little play and takes advantage of any gap to waste time. Time-wasting, protests, and provocations are some of the weapons Flick's team will face. For this reason, they need to find the right moment and not obsess over a single path, as with the offensive quality they have, they will create danger.
The best visitor: while it's true that it's a very complicated match, Barça is the best visiting team in the entire league. They have won 7 of the 11 matches they've played away from Montjuïc, with a goal record of 31 in favor and only 14 against. As for Getafe, they have drawn more (5) than they have won (3) playing at the Coliseum.
Goalkeeper doubt: as we mentioned earlier, it's still unknown who will be the starting goalkeeper for the Culers. It is, along with Gavi's rotation, the only doubts in Flick's XI, as the rest is clear. Both goalkeepers have options, although the Spaniard may have an advantage as he hasn't done anything to make his performance questionable.
