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Lamine Yamal jokes with Ansu Fati during Barça's training session this Friday. Alejandro García (Efe)
Exam for Barça in Hostile Territory

Exam for Barça in Hostile Territory

The Catalans aim to extend their euphoria against Getafe at the Coliseum, where they haven't won since 2019

Daniel Panero

Madrid

Viernes, 17 de enero 2025, 16:05

Barcelona faces a challenging match this Saturday. The team led by Hansi Flick visits the Coliseum amidst the euphoria following their decisive victories over Real Madrid and Betis, yet they are wary of a potential trap game. The Catalans haven't defeated Getafe away since 2019, failing to score in their last four visits. It's another crucial test for a Barça side determined to maintain their momentum.

"It's difficult to score in Getafe. We've discussed this with the team, and hopefully, our plan will work. Every team has its style and players; I love to appreciate all this football. Every team has special qualities, details related to good football. They should be proud of La Liga, it's incredible," Flick stated on Friday when asked about facing a probable defensive setup from Bordalás.

This scenario is highly anticipated. Barça and Getafe play the same sport but come from two diametrically opposed schools. The Madrid side represents resilience, surviving with limited resources and holding a low block until the perfect moment to strike. In contrast, the Catalans aim to take the initiative and wear down the opponent through possession. This clash of styles will be evident on the Coliseum pitch, as the team with the fewest goals conceded faces the highest scorers.

The match is crucial for Barcelona. Flick has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining their positive momentum since the Super Cup, and the clash against Getafe is a part of that. Barça needs a win to prove they can sustain their pace and to close the gap on Atlético and Real Madrid, who are six and five points ahead, respectively.

Flick will have most of the squad that turned around their poor end to 2024. Only Ter Stegen and Iñigo Martínez remain in the medical room, with Christensen cleared to play since Friday. Despite the defender's return, Flick is expected to field a similar lineup to recent matches. Lewandowski will return to lead the attack alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, while Dani Olmo might play as the attacking midfielder ahead of Pedri and Casadó, who are now key figures in Barça's double pivot.

A Tough Opponent

Facing them is the kryptonite for the Catalans. Getafe is a team molded in Bordalás's image, as demonstrated in the early part of the season. The team competes fiercely in every match, having accumulated 19 points, keeping them out of the danger zone and optimistic about the clash against Flick's side. "We prepare to win. It's going to be extremely difficult, but I see the team in good spirits, united and confident," Bordalás said in the pre-match press conference. The Alicante coach will have all his players available except for the injured Nyom, and they arrive after eliminating Pontevedra to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

-Probable Line-ups:

Getafe: Soria, Djené, Duarte, Alderete, Iglesias, Aleñá, Milla, Arambarri, Coba, Uche, and Yildirim.

Barcelona: Peña, Koundé, Cubarsí, Araujo, Balde, Casadó, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Referee: González Fuertes (Asturian Committee).

Time: 21:00 h.

Stadium: Coliseum.

TV: Movistar LaLiga.

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