Sergino Dest and Pedri were the only bright spots while Lionel Messi was among those who faltered as Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Saturday.
Barcelona dominated the proceedings for much of the game, but did little with it. In fact, David Soria was forced into just one save all game, with the Blaugrana failing to create any noteworthy chances. On the opposite end, Neto was relatively busier, making a couple of fine saves.
The deadlock was broken 10 minutes into the second half, as Jaime converted from the spot after Frenkie de Jong fouled Djene Dakonam inside the Barcelona box. The equaliser never came as Getafe earned a memorable win to jump to second on the table. Barcelona, on the other hand, are now placed ninth and The Hard Tackle runs the rule over Ronald Koeman’s men.
Neto: 7/10
One of the few Barcelona players who can hold his head up high despite being a part of the losing side. While Neto guessed the right way when Jaime Mata put Getafe ahead, he made a couple of fine saves to ensure the scoreline did not go beyond Barcelona’s reach. Alas, the men out front did not produce the goods in the final third.
Sergi Roberto: 5.5/10
A game of hits and misses for Roberto. The Spanish international was often left back-pedaling by former Barcelona man Marc Cucurella, although he won his fair share of duels as well. Going forward, he was an outlet, but did not have the right final ball to create any sort of danger. Needs to do better.
Gerard Pique: 7/10
A solid effort by Pique, who was often a rock at the heart of the Barcelona defence. The veteran defender kept a check on Cucho Hernandez for the most part and his numbers – 5 clearances, 3 interceptions, 1 tackle and 8 duels won – were nothing short of impressive. Did all he could, even playing the ball smartly from the back.
Clement Lenglet: 6/10
While Pique was solid, Lenglet was nervy at times. The Frenchman had a few positive moments to show for his efforts, notably making 3 interceptions. However, he lost the ball sloppily at times, which sought to add pressure on his teammates. Nevertheless, he was the least of Barcelona’s problems against Getafe.
Sergino Dest: 8/10
Making his first start for Barcelona, Dest started on the left side of the defence, filling in for Jordi Alba. The young full-back was a bundle of energy and created one of the best chances in the game for Barcelona, only for Lionel Messi to smash the upright. Shifted to the right wing-back slot later in the game and continued to pose a threat. The right-back position is his for the taking.
Frenkie de Jong: 5/10
Another sub-par showing by de Jong, who needs to start stepping up. While the Dutchman was very precise with the ball at his feet, completing 46 of the 52 passes he attempted, the vertical threat was missing from gameplay. Off the ball, he did not inspire a lot of confidence and gave away the penalty which won Getafe the game.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
His partner in the double pivot might have been off his game, but Busquets was solid in the middle once again. The experienced midfielder misplaced just five passes, won 8 duels and made 3 tackles in what was a decent all round showing. That Getafe hardly created anything out from the middle was down to his solid display. Just continues to excel.
Lionel Messi: 6/10
In a tactical switch, Koeman deployed Messi on the right flank against Getafe. The Barcelona captain looked quite purposeful in the first half and was unlucky to see a shot hit the post and looked to run at the opposition defence. However, Messi started fading as the minutes wore on. A rare off day for the Argentine genius.
Pedri: 8/10
? @Pedri post-game reactions pic.twitter.com/s1UPHNFj6C
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 18, 2020
Starting in place of Philippe Coutinho in the no. 10 slot, Pedri was a picture of confidence and was a bright spark for much of his stay on the pitch. In fact, the youngster set up the best chance of the game when he played Antoine Griezmann through on goal, only for the Frenchman to fluff his lines. Continued to look dangerous before being subbed off for Coutinho.
Ousmane Dembele: 4/10
Quite poor to say the least. Dembele was utterly wasteful with the ball at his feet, giving away the possession 16 times while having a dreadful passing rate of 78 percent. Needs to grow in confidence to rediscover his best touch, but for now, he is better off coming off the bench.
Antoine Griezmann: 4/10
Following his controversial comments, Griezmann was given a chance to show what he can do when starting centrally. However, the French forward was well off his best, making a mockery of his comments. His shot from Pedri’s chance was ridiculously poor to say the least and that was his only effort all game. Worked hard off the ball but needs to be doing so much better on it.
? — Antoine Griezmann has missed 26 out of his last 28 shots. He has only scored two goals from those 28 shots. [@carrusel] pic.twitter.com/S4yycgptFC
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 17, 2020
SUBSTITUTES
Ansu Fati: 6/10
Fati exuded confidence and unsurprisingly so. However, this time around, the young winger did not really pose a great deal of danger, although he did force a save from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.
Philippe Coutinho: 6/10
Given the final 30 minutes, Coutinho was a little off pace and did not really set up any chances for those in front of him. Onto the next one for the Brazilian.
Trincao: N/A
On for Griezmann, Trincao could not manage to make an impact in his cameo.
Martin Braithwaite: N/A
Introduced with 10 minutes left in the game, Braithwaite did not do much of note.
Riqui Puig: N/A
A late introduction, Puig did not have enough time to make a difference.
