Getafe vs Barcelona All Goals & Highlights
Barcelona’s title aspirations took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. The match saw Jules Koundé give Barcelona an early lead, but Mauro Arambarri’s equalizer ensured the points were shared.
FULL-TIME: 🔵 Getafe 1-1 Barcelona 🔴
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 18, 2025
⚽ Missed opportunity for the Catalans to close the gap in the title race.#Barça #LaLiga #GetafeBarça pic.twitter.com/it0vrhoxOj
Early Advantage for Barcelona
In the ninth minute, Jules Koundé capitalized on a precise pass from Pedri to slot the ball past Getafe’s goalkeeper, David Soria, giving Barcelona an early 1-0 lead. This goal marked a positive start for the visitors, who were eager to break their recent winless streak in La Liga.
Getafe’s Resilient Response
Despite falling behind, Getafe remained determined and began to apply pressure on Barcelona’s defense. Their efforts paid off in the 34th minute when Mauro Arambarri tapped in a rebound to level the score at 1-1. This goal energized the home side and their supporters, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Controversial Moments and Missed Opportunities
The match was not without controversy. In the 80th minute, during a corner kick, Koundé appeared to be fouled by Getafe’s Uche, but the referee and VAR decided against awarding a penalty. Former referee Iturralde González commented on the incident, stating, “For me, it’s a penalty,” though he understood the VAR’s interpretation due to Koundé’s position relative to the ball.
Barcelona had several chances to regain the lead. Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski both found themselves in promising positions but were unable to convert their opportunities. The team’s inability to finish chances has been a recurring issue, contributing to their recent dip in form.
Implications for the Title Race
This draw extends Barcelona’s winless run in La Liga to four matches. They now sit third in the standings with 39 points, trailing second-placed Real Madrid by four points and leaders Atlético Madrid by five. Real Madrid, with a game in hand, have the opportunity to widen the gap further when they host Las Palmas.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s recent form is a cause for concern, having secured only six points from their last eight league matches. To reignite their title challenge, the team must address their offensive inefficiencies and regain their early-season momentum. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their position in the title race as they seek to close the gap on their rivals.