Lewandowski Defeats Getafe and Extends Barça's Winning Streak

Barça did not need their best version this Wednesday to continue their immaculate streak in La Liga. The team led by Hansi Flick defeated Getafe at Lluis Companys with a 1-0 score in a lackluster match, but a goal by Robert Lewandowski in the first half was enough to tip the scales. The Polish player's goal, following an error by David Soria, rewarded the leader, who remains unstoppable after seven rounds.

The match, however, started uncomfortably for Barcelona. Whether due to the lingering shock from Ter Stegen's injury or Getafe's expected toughness, the Catalans entered the game cold. Despite Flick fielding an eleven with few changes beyond those forced by injury, only Pedri rotated out of the theoretical starters, making way for Pablo Torre, who took up the attacking midfielder position where his talent shines best.

The idea was the usual one but with nuances. Barça wanted possession but lowered their pressing intensity in the opponent's half this time to lure Getafe out of their shell and create more space. This strategy almost backfired when Carles Pérez connected with a great header that Iñaki Peña blocked on the goal line. It was the warning Barça needed to confirm that what works best should not be altered. From there, everything changed. Lamine Yamal and Balde widened the field, Pablo Torre appeared between lines, and gradually they led Bordalás's men into a state of fatigue where they were chasing shadows.

In one of those instances, the goal came almost inevitably. Koundé reached the byline and his cross was not controlled by David Soria, leaving Lewandowski with an easy finish into an empty net. The Polish player, quietly effective, now has seven goals, and his strike paved the way for a Barça that had less fluidity in the first half compared to previous matches. The Catalans had over 75% possession but struggled against an opponent entrenched in their own half with constant support. Only a one-on-one chance for Lewandowski thwarted by David Soria and the goal itself highlighted a frustrating scenario for Barça that had not appeared this season until now. They had to grind out the match.

After the restart, it was still an exercise in patience. Getafe aimed to stay alive until the final stages of the game while Barça kept running into a well-organized opponent. The Catalans increased the pace of play, focused on wing attacks, and gradually created more chances in a steady drip. Marc Casadó was very active throughout and shot wide, while Lamine Yamal made his trademark diagonal run from outside to inside, ending with a left-footed shot towards the far post that David Soria saved as he sought redemption for his first-half error.

At this stage, the match became dangerous—not so much due to events on the pitch but because of a narrow scoreline that had remained unchanged for many minutes. Flick knew this and looked to his bench for solutions to solve the puzzle. He brought on Ferran Torres and Pedri to renew his team's intensity, but it wasn't Barça's day as they gradually adapted to Getafe's pace. The final minutes were a case of "can but won't," not "won't but can," where Barça did not want to take more risks and Getafe lacked resources to seek an equalizer.