matrix
8th February 2010, 08:22 AM
Nine-man Barca overpowers Getafe 2-1
Spanish league leader Barcelona has achieved a major 2-1 victory against Getafe at the Camp Nou despite playing with 9 men.
World player of the year Lionel Messi put the hosts ahead after only seven minutes by curling in a superb left-foot effort after a corner was not cleared at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barca captain Xavi Hernandez then doubled the advantage when he was set up by a counter-attacking Messi on the 67th minute of the game.
Pep Guardiola's side had Gerard Pique sent off in the 25th minute and was reduced to nine men deep into the stoppage-time, when substitute Rafael Marquez was dismissed to concede a penalty.
Getafe's Roberto Soldado then converted a late penalty, but it was no more than a consolation goal.
"I am very proud," said Barca manager Pep Guardiola. "Getafe is the toughest team to play against with ten men, but we took a step forward and played marvelously."
"It is one of the best days we have had, one of the games with most merit," the former Barca captain added.
Getafe coach Michel Gonzalez, however, expressed disappointment after the defeat.
"We were unable to make an impact, even with more players," Michel said.
"We lack fire in attack, even when we have possession. We are really worried,” he added. "Barcelona showed their character, because today was not an easy game, but they still won."
In another game in the same day, second-placed Real Madrid beat Espanyol 3-0 to stay in touch with Spanish league leader Barcelona, which remains five points clear at the top with 55 points
Spanish league leader Barcelona has achieved a major 2-1 victory against Getafe at the Camp Nou despite playing with 9 men.
World player of the year Lionel Messi put the hosts ahead after only seven minutes by curling in a superb left-foot effort after a corner was not cleared at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barca captain Xavi Hernandez then doubled the advantage when he was set up by a counter-attacking Messi on the 67th minute of the game.
Pep Guardiola's side had Gerard Pique sent off in the 25th minute and was reduced to nine men deep into the stoppage-time, when substitute Rafael Marquez was dismissed to concede a penalty.
Getafe's Roberto Soldado then converted a late penalty, but it was no more than a consolation goal.
"I am very proud," said Barca manager Pep Guardiola. "Getafe is the toughest team to play against with ten men, but we took a step forward and played marvelously."
"It is one of the best days we have had, one of the games with most merit," the former Barca captain added.
Getafe coach Michel Gonzalez, however, expressed disappointment after the defeat.
"We were unable to make an impact, even with more players," Michel said.
"We lack fire in attack, even when we have possession. We are really worried,” he added. "Barcelona showed their character, because today was not an easy game, but they still won."
In another game in the same day, second-placed Real Madrid beat Espanyol 3-0 to stay in touch with Spanish league leader Barcelona, which remains five points clear at the top with 55 points