New Delhi: Robert Lewandowski continued his streak as he netted his seventh goal of the season, helping leaders Barcelona beat Getafe and maintain their perfect start in La Liga. Barcelona rested Pedri and were even without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen; Barcelona dominated the match, boasting 80% possession and 16 goal attempts.
In the 19th minute, Lewandowski capitalised on a mistake by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. Soria failed to hold onto a cross from Jules Kounde, and Lewandowski, lurking in the box, pounced to score, helping the home side maintain their 100% record after seven games.
Robert Lewandowski (36) scores his 7th league goal of the season to give Barcelona the 1-0 lead at home against Getafe after a bad mistake from David Soria. ⚽🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/4cpOr0vtKV
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) September 25, 2024
Barcelona missed several opportunities to widen the margin. Soria made crucial saves for Getafe as he denied efforts from Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, and three from Raphinha. Barcelona was almost on the verge of paying a heavy price for its missed opportunities as the visitors could have scored an equaliser in the dying moments.
Getafe had a golden opportunity to level when Alex Sola delivered a superb cross, but Carles Perez’s header was straight at Blaugrana’s goalkeeper, Inaki Peña. The 25-year-old was making his first start following Ter Stegen’s injury in the previous game against Villarreal.
Barcelona remain at the top of the standings with seven wins from seven league games (21 points), four points clear of rivals Real Madrid.
Barcelona goalkeeper debacle
Barcelona is suffering a major goalkeeper conundrum after Ter Stegen’s injury and are being linked to a potential one-year deal with former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who retired in August at 34.
However, following the match against Getafe, manager Hansi Flick avoided confirming the move, stating, “I’m only discussing the players we have. Inaki Pena is our number one, and we’re pleased with him.”
While Inaki, at 25, is the current starter, Flick acknowledged the squad’s other goalkeepers’ lack of experience and hinted at the need for a more seasoned option.
Barca will now visit seventh-placed Osasuna on Saturday before hosting Young Boys in the Champions League next week when it will look to rebound after a 2-1 loss in its opening match at Monaco. Will Pena get the regular starter spot, or will Barca sign a replacement will be revealed in just a matter of time.
Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga season continued as they defeated Getafe 1-0 to win their seventh straight game, led by Lewandowski. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
