Barcelona won Getafe and earned three points to stay top of La Liga

Barcelona faced Getafe in a La Liga fixture on matchday 18. Xavi’s side won the match 1–0 and earned three points to stay top of La Liga despite Getafe’s best efforts.

The ex-Real Madrid striker Mayoral should have equalized for the visitors, but was denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he went on goal, after a misjudged back pass from Pedri. Barcelona’s German goalscorer is back to his best this season after a long dip in form, which is reflected in his sparkling defensive record. The Catalans have kept 13 clean sheets in 17 La Liga games and conceded just six goals in the top flight.
Ter Stegen tipped a cross shot from the mayor early in the second half but beyond that it was little tested. Getafe’s back proved tenacious and Barcelona created few chances to extend their lead.

France winger Ousmane Dembele had some luck avoiding a red card for a tackle on Omar Alderete, his frustration showing. Dembele then gave substitute Franck Kessie a chance, but the Ivorian fired straight at Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. Fati fired towards the end, his dogged effort summing up a difficult evening. Getafe had a chance to equalize in stoppage time when Juanmi Latasa passed Sergio Busquets from a free kick but headed straight for Ter Stegen.
Earlier, fifth-placed Villarreal needed a penalty after 100 minutes to beat Girona 1-0 in mid-table. Dani Parejo converted. Gerard Moreno had missed a 93rd-minute penalty, but the home side conceded another in the dying seconds. At the bottom of the table, Elche drew 1-1 with seventh-placed Osasuna but remained winless in the top flight this season.