Robert Lewandowski once again proved his goal-scoring prowess as his crucial strike secured Barcelona a hard-fought victory over Getafe. The Polish international’s clinical finish in the [insert goal’s minute] proved to be the difference-maker, securing three valuable points for Xavi Hernandez’s side and keeping them firmly in the title race.
Barcelona dominated the match, although they couldn’t increase their lead. They restored their four-point advantage over Real Madrid, who won against Alaves on Tuesday.
Robert Lewandowski maintained his impressive form, securing a 1-0 victory for La Liga leaders Barcelona against Getafe on Wednesday. The Polish forward scored from close range in the first half, helping Barcelona maintain their perfect record in the league this season with seven wins. Although they dominated the match, Barcelona couldn’t extend their lead but managed to restore their four-point advantage over Real Madrid, who defeated Alaves on Tuesday.
“You can’t always win by a large margin,” said defender Jules Kounde in an interview with Movistar. “The important thing is that we created many chances again and secured the three points… Getafe is always a tough team to face.”
Coach Hansi Flick started Inaki Pena in goal to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who will be out for months due to a severe knee injury. Flick also brought Marc Casado and Alejandro Balde back into the squad.
Pena, who conceded 32 goals in 17 matches last season, received supportive chants from fans behind his goal and made a crucial save from an early header by Carles Perez.
In contrast, Getafe goalkeeper David Soria’s poor touch on Kounde’s cross led to Barcelona’s opener in the 19th minute, allowing Lewandowski to score from close range. The 36-year-old striker has seven goals in La Liga this season, leading the scoring charts and looking revitalized under Flick after a challenging previous season.
“To me, he’s the best number nine of the last 10 years,” said Flick, who previously coached him at Bayern Munich. “His job is to score goals in the box, and he’s doing that excellently.”
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal almost doubled the lead shortly after, but his shot from a Raphinha assist went inches wide. Soria made a good save from Raphinha, who received the August Player of the Month award before the match, and later sent another shot wide.
Yamal nearly scored with a curling strike from distance just before the hour mark, but Soria tipped it over the bar. The Getafe goalkeeper also managed to deflect a dangerous Raphinha free-kick around the post as Barcelona pushed for a second goal to secure the win.
Yamal, Spain’s Euro 2024 hero, clipped the top of the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort, as Barcelona began to express frustration at Getafe’s consistently heavy challenges. Raphinha missed a key chance late in the game, heading wide after making a clever run into the box, but Barcelona was not punished for their missed opportunities.
Late Scare
Getafe, currently in 19th place, remain winless and squandered a great chance at the end when Borja Mayoral failed to get a shot off while well-placed inside the box. “We didn’t convert our chances… we need to be more decisive in the area,” said Getafe midfielder Luis Milla, noting that the Madrid club has only scored three times this season. “It’s clear we need to improve there; I believe the team will start scoring soon,” Milla added.
Barcelona will next travel to face Osasuna on Saturday, while second-placed Real Madrid will take on rivals Atletico Madrid in a derby on Sunday. Despite several star players being injured, Flick’s side continues to show improvement since his arrival.
“He’s a coach who knows exactly how he wants to play, and we’re understanding it well,” Kounde noted. “The team enjoys training and feels comfortable in games. He’s a very demanding coach, and that suits us well.”
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