Barcelona 1-0 Getafe: Lewandowski's early strike enough for Barca to see off visitors

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys, marking their ninth consecutive home win in La Liga.

As the league leaders, Barcelona have dominated their opponents thus far, facing a Getafe side still in search of their first victory this season.

Nevertheless, the visitors aimed to challenge the pre-game expectations, with Iñaki Peña required to make an early save against a header from Carles Perez, following a cross from Álex Sola.

The energetic Perez then surged into the penalty area, but his close-range attempt was thwarted by Alejandro Balde.

Despite Getafe's promising start, it was Barcelona who found the net first. Lamine Yamal set up Jules Kounde on the right, and David Soria could only deflect Kounde's cross into the path of Robert Lewandowski, who finished decisively to net his seventh goal of the season.

As the match progressed, spaces began to open for Hansi Flick’s team, with Yamal skillfully receiving a pass from Raphinha, though he missed the target from a close distance.

Getafe's strong beginning faded as Lewandowski was sent through by Raphinha, but Soria managed to block the striker's shot from a tight angle.

After halftime, Barcelona increased their intensity, with Soria making an impressive one-handed save to deny Yamal’s long-range attempt.

Soria continued to be a crucial figure for Getafe, executing another remarkable save to deflect Raphinha’s free kick, which he only spotted at the last moment.

Flick’s side struggled to extend their lead, and Eric Garcia missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage, sending his shot over the bar from Raphinha’s free-kick.

The Brazilian narrowly missed the opportunity to score, as his diving header from Kounde’s cross went off target.

In the end, the Catalans managed to secure all three points, thereby restoring their four-point advantage at the summit of the table.

Getafe's quest for their inaugural away victory against Barcelona remains unfulfilled after 22 attempts, as they faced their third consecutive defeat in away matches in the top division.

SportsLigue