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Barcelona went level on points with rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Saturday with a 2-1 win against Getafe at the Camp Nou.
Getafe thought they had taken the lead on 23 minutes when Allan Nyom found the net for the visitors, but the Cameroon defender’s header was ruled out by VAR for a foul on Samuel Umtiti.
Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring for Barca 10 minutes later, stabbing the ball past goalkeeper David Soria with the outside of his boot after a deft first-time pass from Lionel Messi.
After the match, Griezmann spoke about his blossoming relationship with Messi, saying: “I have been here for seven months and we still have to learn each other’s movements, but it will get better with time. We are enjoying working together and I am sure it will get better.
“I am really happy [at Barcelona], as are my family. We are enjoying ourselves a lot here.”
Sergi Roberto soon doubled the hosts’ lead, firing past Soria after a well-worked team move.
Getafe pulled one back through Angel on 66 minutes, but Barca were able to see out the game for all three points.
Following the match, Barca boss Quique Setien, who has overseen wins in six of his eight matches, talked about the challenge presented by Champions League chasing Getafe.
“We knew it would be a tough game,” Setien said. “They’ve won four games in a row before today. They’re aggressive and intense in the way that they press. But we managed the ball well and were really good for an hour. The win was deserved.
“Getafe made 29 fouls and we end up with one more booking than them [3-2 in bookings]. We have to take risks to beat the press. When we managed it, we were fouled. It ruins the rhythm of the game. I was complaining to the fourth official because I thought the referee should have been more severe with [Getafe].”
Barca were hit with one piece of bad news as Jordi Alba was substituted on 22 minutes with a muscle injury that will require tests and will now face a fitness race to be ready for their Champions League round of 16 first leg against Napoli on Feb. 25.
Despite the loss Getafe remain in third place on 42 points, 10 behind Real Madrid and Barca and two ahead of Atletico Madrid.
Real have the chance to restore their three-point lead over Barca on Sunday when they host Celta Vigo.