Getafe vs. Barcelona | La Liga | Pre Match

Barcelona Look to Reignite La Liga Campaign Against Struggling Getafe

Barcelona will aim to rediscover their winning touch in La Liga when they travel to the Estadio Coliseum on Saturday evening to face Getafe. The Catalan giants, currently in a challenging period, have seen their league form dip dramatically, and their last two defeats in the competition have pushed them down to third place in the table. This encounter, their first La Liga match since December 21, offers an opportunity for redemption as they battle to stay in contention for the title.

Getafe: Gritty Defense Amid Relegation Fears

Getafe come into this fixture with momentum on their side, having secured three consecutive victories across all competitions. Wins over Granada and Pontevedra in the Copa del Rey bookended a crucial 2-1 triumph over Las Palmas in La Liga, lifting Jose Bordalas’s side to 15th in the table. With 19 points from 19 matches, Getafe remain perilously close to the relegation zone, sitting just three points clear of danger.

The Deep Blue Ones have relied heavily on their defensive solidity this season, boasting the third-best defensive record in La Liga with just 16 goals conceded. Only Real Sociedad (13) and Atletico Madrid (12) have been tighter at the back. However, their struggles in front of goal are glaring; they have managed only 13 league goals, making them the joint-worst attacking side alongside Real Valladolid.

Getafe's resilience in staying in Spain’s top flight since 2004—with the exception of one season—highlights their determination to survive. Despite being entrenched in a relegation battle, their defensive discipline and ability to grind out results make them a tough opponent, particularly on home soil. Notably, Barcelona have failed to win any of their last three league visits to the Estadio Coliseum, with all three matches ending in goalless draws. Getafe’s last home defeat to Barcelona in La Liga was in September 2019, adding a layer of intrigue to this matchup.

Barcelona: Struggling to Find Consistency

Barcelona’s recent league form has been disappointing by their lofty standards. The Catalan club has managed just one win in their last seven La Liga outings, a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca on December 3. However, that result has been followed by a draw with Real Betis and back-to-back losses to Leganes and Atletico Madrid. These setbacks have left Hansi Flick’s side in third place, six points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid and five adrift of second-placed Real Madrid.

Despite their domestic struggles, Barcelona have been formidable in cup competitions this season. The team has played four matches in 2025, winning all of them, including triumphs in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. In the latter, they defeated Athletic Bilbao and arch-rivals Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy. Most recently, they dismantled Real Betis 5-1 in the Copa del Rey round of 16, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Hansi Flick’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency in the league, and the team’s dip in form has raised concerns about their title challenge. With the Champions League knockout stages looming, Barcelona must find a way to balance their European ambitions with the urgent need to close the gap in La Liga. A victory against Getafe could reignite their campaign and boost confidence ahead of their trip to Portugal to face Benfica.

Team News and Lineups

Getafe will be without several key players for this clash. Diego Rico and Alvaro Rodriguez are suspended, while Yellu Santiago, Allan Nyom, and Juan Berrocal are doubtful due to injuries. Jose Bordalas is expected to make changes from the side that faced Pontevedra in the Copa del Rey, with Djene Dakonam, Borja Mayoral, and Carles Alena returning to the starting XI. Coba should retain his place in a wide position, while David Soria is likely to return in goal after sitting out the midweek cup fixture.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are dealing with a mix of injuries and player rotation. Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Inigo Martinez remain sidelined, although Andreas Christensen could make his long-awaited return to the squad following an Achilles injury. Flick is expected to shuffle his lineup from the Copa del Rey match against Real Betis, with Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Robert Lewandowski set to return to the starting XI.

Ronald Araujo, whose future has been the subject of speculation, is likely to feature at the heart of Barcelona’s defense. The absence of Martinez provides an opportunity for the Uruguayan to showcase his talents and reinforce his importance to the team. Dani Olmo, recently granted temporary registration, is available but may start on the bench, with Gavi potentially operating as the creative fulcrum in a number 10 role.

Tactical Battles and Key Matchups

The match is poised to be a clash of styles. Getafe’s defensive organization and physicality will aim to stifle Barcelona’s fluid attacking play, while the Catalan side will look to exploit their superior technical quality and pace. Djene Dakonam will be pivotal in marshalling Getafe’s defense, tasked with keeping Robert Lewandowski in check. The Polish striker, who remains one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, will be eager to add to his goal tally and lead Barcelona to a much-needed victory.

In midfield, Carles Alena will face his former club, bringing an added layer of motivation to his performance. The battle in the center of the park will likely determine the outcome, with Barcelona relying on the creativity and dynamism of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong to unlock Getafe’s compact defensive block.

For Barcelona, the wide areas could prove crucial. Alejandro Balde’s overlapping runs from left-back and Ousmane Dembele’s trickery on the right flank will be key to stretching Getafe’s defense and creating opportunities in the final third. On the other hand, Getafe will look to exploit Barcelona’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack, with Borja Mayoral leading the line and Coba providing support from the flanks.

Recent Form and What’s at Stake

Getafe’s recent form offers hope for an upset. A three-game winning streak has lifted spirits at the club, and their strong defensive record will be tested against one of La Liga’s most potent attacking units. For Barcelona, the stakes are immense. Another slip-up in the league could see them fall further behind their title rivals, potentially leaving them with an insurmountable gap to bridge.

While Barcelona remain favorites on paper, their recent struggles on the road and Getafe’s solid home form suggest that this match could be closer than expected. The Catalans must overcome their recent poor record at the Estadio Coliseum, where they have failed to score in their last three visits.

Conclusion

Saturday’s clash between Getafe and Barcelona is more than just another league fixture—it is a test of character for both sides. For Getafe, it is an opportunity to continue their resurgence and take a step closer to safety. For Barcelona, it is a chance to halt their slide and reassert themselves as genuine title contenders.

The outcome will hinge on key individual performances and tactical decisions. Barcelona’s ability to break down Getafe’s resolute defense while remaining vigilant against counterattacks will be critical. Meanwhile, Getafe will need to maintain their defensive discipline and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way.

With both teams having so much at stake, the stage is set for an intriguing battle under the lights at the Estadio Coliseum. Whether Barcelona can end their winless run in Getafe or the home side can claim another big scalp remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this match could have significant implications for both ends of the La Liga table.