Getafe 0-0 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, Getafe hosted Barcelona today as part of the 29th gameweek of La Liga. The blaugranes were looking to get back to winning ways after the 0-4 loss against Real Madrid, and the 0-0 draw against Girona.

Xavi opted to start Jordi Alba as the left-back, with Alejandro Balde, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha forming the attacking trio.

As one would expect, Getafe did not make Quique Sanches Flores did not make Barcelona’s life easy at all. Their defence was stacked with a low-block, and the game was predictably cagey.

While Barcelona did not create much, they looked threatening on a few occasions, forcing David Soria into heroic saves.

Eventually, the game fizzled out into a 0-0 draw, Barcelona’s second in a row. Lead on top just 11.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6

Did not have much to do with Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde commanding everything ahead of him pretty well.

Sergi Roberto: N/A

Off injured within 20 minutes.

Ronald Araujo: 8

Had trouble finding passes initially but was excellent throughout the game after that. Sniffed out dangerous Getafe attacks, and was imperial at the back. Almost found a way through the entire Getafe team with a run late on.

Jules Kounde: 7

Started as the centre-back, but moved to the right after Roberto got injured. Had some problems creating a partnership with Raphinha, but excellent as always with his passing and defensive work.

Jordi Alba: 7

Completely out of sync playing behind Balde, but whipped in a few decent crosses every now and then, including a stellar chance for Lewandowski, which was headed wide.

Franck Kessie: 5

Should have done better to show for the ball with Frenkie de Jong injured. Looked out of sync with his teammates, and completed just 11 passes in 68 minutes.

Sergio Busquets: 8

Arguably the best player on the pitch for Barcelona, and the only one keeping the midfield in check. Won multiple fouls with his ball retention and found a way through the Getafe low block with some chipped passes, too.

Gavi: 5

In a game that needed Gavi to thrive between the lines to get away from the Getafe’s compact midfield, the Spaniard did not impress. Created no chances and was probably lucky to not get sent off.

Raphinha: 6.5

Raphinha probably had the best chance of the game alongside Balde, but his shot hit the post. He tested Soria later on as well with a curling shot, and continued making runs behind the defence. Did exceptionally well defensively, stopping multiple counter-attacks.

He did, however overcomplicate matters with a few of his decisions, like over and under hitting passes. Should also start taking on more players.

Robert Lewandowski: 7

Tried a few audacious moves, but credit where it’s due as the rest of the attack looked pretty much out of ideas. Also played a role in created Raphinha chance in the first half with a dummy. Should have scored with his header, though.

Alejandro Balde: 6

Evidently looked out of his depth at the left wing and barely created anything from there. Missed an open goal, too. He did, however, look much better when shifted back as a left-back.

SUBSTITUTES:

Eric Garcia: 5

Much like what the commentator said: “Eric Garcia cannot defend”, the Spaniard was clumsy while defending counter-attacks, and created probably Getafe’s best chance of the game late on trying to defend a loose ball.

Ansu Fati: 6

Looked sharp and full of intention but often overcomplicated his moves.

Ferran Torres: 4

Invisble after coming on.

Pablo Torre: N/A

Overhit both his set-pieces, but came on too late to make a real difference.