Despite a red card that reduced them to ten men, Barcelona kept their edge over Getafe to remain in the forezone of the Primiera League title chase.








Ronaldinho's second minute goal was all FC Barcelona needed to claim the three points at stake in the Getafe encounter. Soon after the match began, The Blaugrana launched an attack and Lionel Messi got hold of the ball, effectively pulling out Eto'o and waded his way through two Getafe defenders before laying the ball for Ronaldinho who placed the ball beyond the reach of Getafe's on-rushing goalkeeper for an ealry goal.


The game was dominated by the Catalans who still remain tied on points with Real Madrid as the Merengues also won their weekend encounter against Deportivo La Coruna.


Getafe didn't put up much of a fight especially in the first half,as they were clearly overwhelmed by Barcelona's superior tactics and for a long while, seemed intimidated by the echos of the 6-0 scoreline Barcelona registered against Atletico last weekend.


Barca keeper, Victor Valdes was troubled only once through out the first half, while on the other side, Puyol, Eto'o Deco and Ronaldinho ensured the Getafe keeper and his defence line had more than sufficient work to do to prevent more goals.


The pressure got the better part of the visitors to Camp Nou, as minutes before half time, Getafe player Belenguer mowed down Ronaldinho and then stepped over the Brazilian, who reacted by kicking out toward Belenguer. The referee decided this reaction from the Barcelona star was bad enough and flashed a red card to possibly signify the end of Ronaldinho's on-the-pitch La Liga campaign this season.

Barca fans gasped in horror and protested the referees decision loudly, roaring in opposition and waving their white hankies in protest.


Getafe went into half time relieved that they did not concede more than just one goal, and emerged for the second half more inspired by the absence of Ronaldinho rather than the desire to gain some points from the encounter. They seemed more confident in their approach, boosted by the realisation that they numerically were now superior to the Catalans.
Though Getafe did step up their game, Barcelona quickly reorganised their formation and launched an attack which resulted in a free kick. Deco's resulting free-kick was glanced away by Eto'o.


Barcelona continued to dictate the pace of the game even with less men on the pitch, and they successfully contained the Getafe players who must have been frustrated by the now common realisation that in football, narrow numerical superiority does not often gaurantee victory.


Although barcelona finished the match as victorious as had been expected, they were however left with the probability of missing as many as three of their key players in the next match against Espanyol. Eto'o and Edmilson now have two yellow cards after being booked and each face one-match suspension pending any upturning of the decision after a barca appeal, while Midfield engine room, Ronaldinho is certain to miss the encounter after receiving a red card.



Barcelona are known for fighting on against all odds and this virtue may very well successfully see them through the last days of the Spanish League.