Getafe vs FC Barcelona: The second half of LaLiga begins in search of a comeback

FC Barcelona returns to action in LaLiga EA Sports this Saturday, January 18 (21:00 h) visiting the always challenging Getafe. Hansi Flick's team has regained its best form after the Christmas break, authoritatively winning the four matches played in January. The feelings for the Catalans are excellent as they start the second half of LaLiga, following two consecutive 'five-goal' victories against Real Madrid (2-5) and Real Betis (5-1).

With the trophy of the Supercopa de España and a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey secured, Barça looks to close a memorable week against a team managed by José Bordalás who, true to form, will rely on an ultra-defensive setup to neutralize the blue and burgundy offensive power. The Catalans arrive at the match with 16 goals scored in their last four appearances, but with the need to earn points to start the comeback in LaLiga.

Barça needs to get back on the winning track in LaLiga

Due to the team's slump in the last month of competition, Atlético de Madrid (leader) and Real Madrid (second) have taken advantage to distance themselves by six and five points from the Catalans, respectively. Flick's team closed 2024 with two painful home defeats (against Leganés and Atlético) and only one victory in the last seven matches, so they are obliged to win this Saturday in Madrid to start the comeback in a second half of the tournament that promises to be thrilling from start to finish.

The objective, however, will not be easy. Getafe boasts the third-best defense in LaLiga, having conceded only 16 goals in 19 matches. Only Atlético (12) and Real Sociedad (13) have conceded fewer goals than the 'blue ones' so far. In contrast, offensively, Getafe is light-years away from Barça. Javier Bordalás's team has the worst attack in the tournament, with only 13 goals scored.

This explains why the team remains in the lower part of the standings with only 19 points, just two above the relegation zone. In contrast, Barcelona boasts the best attack in the five major European leagues. The Catalans scored 51 goals in the first half (2.68 per match) and have not gone scoreless in a match since their visit to Real Sociedad on November 10 (loss 1-0). Since the arrival of the German coach, that has been the only scoreless performance of the blue and burgundy team (29 matches, with 88 goals scored).

Getafe will look to extend an incredible home streak against Barça

Beyond that, Getafe relies on its solid defensive work to nullify the relentless Catalan offense. In their last four visits to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Barcelona has failed to score. The last Catalan victory was in the 2019-20 season, with goals from Luis Suárez and Junior Firpo (1-2). Since then, the record is one loss (1-0) and three consecutive draws (0-0), all ties with Xavi Hernández on the bench.

In the first half, Barça also struggled to impose themselves against Getafe. A solitary goal from Robert Lewandowski gave the Catalans victory (1-0) in Montjuïc, in a very tight match with few clear chances in the areas. Getafe comes off a win against Pontevedra (0-1) on Wednesday in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

In LaLiga, they defeated UD Las Palmas (1-2) last week and previously did the same against Granada, also in the Cup (0-1 in the round of 32). However, in their last home match, the 'blue ones' fell narrowly to Mallorca (0-1) on December 21. In matchday 17 of LaLiga, they also failed to earn points against Atlético (1-0). Overall, their record in the tournament is 4 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses.

Technical details of the match

• All match information: Getafe vs FC Barcelona
• Competition: LaLiga EA Sports 2024-25
• Squad: List of call-ups
• Possible lineups: The XI of Getafe and Barça
• Stadium: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez
• Referee: Pablo González Fuertes (Asturian Committee)
• Schedules and television: When and where to watch the match - Worldwide guide
• Tickets: Buy tickets to see Getafe vs Barça