SpanishFor the first time in five months, Barca returned to second place in La Liga, thanks to a 4-0 win over away team Getafe in round 26.
The fourth win in the last five rounds helped Barca close the gap with Real Madrid at the top of the table to five points, even though the defending champions played one more match. Xavi Hernandez's team is in top form in La Liga, with 13 out of 15 maximum points recently. If Real continues to stumble, the championship race will heat up again.
Raphinha celebrates opening the score for Barca against Getafe at Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium, Barcelona, Spain, February 24, 2. Image: Lapresse
The standout player of the match was probably Raphinha, as he scored, assisted and even missed a great chance. In the 20th minute, defender Jules Kounde passed along the right border, crossed the line, and Raphinha rushed down to face the goalkeeper. The Brazilian midfielder comfortably pushed the ball and curled it to the far corner to open the score for the hosts.
Raphinha was given another similar opportunity, this time from Robert Lewandowski's through ball. But the former Leeds midfielder did not shoot but stretched too deep, causing Joao Felix not to rush in in time at the end of the first half. After that, Raphinha raised her head to the sky and spread her arms to the sides to express her regret.
In the second half, Raphinha made a series of mistakes by releasing the ball, allowing midfielder Frenkie de Jong to shoot into an empty net to increase the score to 3-0. The Brazilian international has scored 10 goals in just nine starts in La Liga this season. However, he still has many difficulties competing with 17-year-old midfielder Lamine Yamal.
And Felix, after being disappointed not to receive the ball from Raphina at the end of the first half, enjoyed the joy of scoring at the beginning of the second half. Defender Andreas Christensen rushed down the right sideline, crossed the ball right at the Portuguese international's level and crashed into the cushion towards the near corner to score. Felix immediately pointed at Christensen in gratitude after the ball went into the net.
Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood (right) did not show much when the two teams had a difference in level. Image: EFE
Fermin Lopez's goal in stoppage time gave Barca their biggest win since the 5-0 thrashing of Royal Antwerp in the Champions League in September 9. Since then, Xavi and his team have regained second place in the table, after the "phenomenon" of Girona declined with two recent consecutive defeats.
In the next round, Barca is expected to face many difficulties as a guest at Athletic Bilbao's field. Bilbao is also unbeaten in the last four matches, competing for the Champions League next season.
Hoang An
