Getafe, one of two teams that have defeated Barça

Cesc, suspended for tomorrow’s match, didn’t play at the Coliseo Alfónso Pérez against Getafe in the first half of the season. Getafe ended Barça’s unbeaten streak with a 1-0 scoreline

November 26, 2011. An unlucky Barça lost its first game of the season when the Catalans visited Gefate. The Madrid-based side, with an incredible defensive display and a solitary goal from Valera, handed Barça their first defeat of the season. Half a year later, both teams meet again, this time at the Camp Nou. The defeat to Getafe put Barça six points behind Real Madrid. Now, the gap is only four. 

Barça’s balance so far this season in La Liga is 23 victories, 6 draws and two defeats. One of the defeats was at the hands of the men led by Luis García, the other was to Osasuna at the Reyno de Navarra. Moreover, Barça haven’t lost a match in the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.

Similarities to the first half of the season 

Cesc Fàbregas, due to injury, wasn’t on the pitch when Barça lost its first match of the season. The Catalan midfielder will also miss tomorrow’s game. Cesc is suspended for Tuesday’s La Liga clash after he picked up his fifth yellow card in the match against Zaragoza this weekend. 

Five months ago, Barça came into the match against Getafe after beating Zaragoza 4-0, Puyol scored in that match - it was his first of the season. Also, AC Milan faced off against Barça just before the Getafe clash. The match at the San Siro ended in a 2-3 for Barça with goals from Van Bommel (og), Xavi and Messi. The buildup to tomorrow’s match is almost identical to the one five months ago: Barça beat Milan in the Champions League quarterfinal (3-1) and Zaragoza (1-4). 

Despite the coincidences, the match on Tuesday at the Camp Nou shouldn’t topple Barça’s nine-game winning streak. Guardiola’s men know that they must win to keep their La Liga title hopes alive.