Overview
Getafe is facing a great opportunity to return to the European Cup group for the first time since the 2018-2019 season. Jose Bordalas's team is currently ranked sixth in the La Liga standings, 5 points behind Real Betis - a gap that can be completely closed when the season enters the sprint stage.
The 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the middle of the week is clear evidence of the impressive form of the capital team. Getafe has won 7/10 recent matches in La Liga, thereby strongly accelerating in the standings.
The noteworthy point is that Getafe played extremely effectively away from home, winning 23 points after 17 matches - the sixth best record in the league, even 6 points more than Atletico Madrid when playing away from home. However, their home form is not too outstanding, with 21 points after 15 matches, only ranked 14th.
However, head-to-head history is not on Getafe's side. In 45 encounters with Barcelona, they have only won 4 matches. In the first leg of this season, Barcelona easily won 3-0, even though the match at Coliseum last season ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the opposite direction, Barcelona is still showing superior strength in the championship race. Hansi Flick's team just defeated Celta Vigo 1-0, but paid a heavy price when Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury and rested for the rest of the season.
Despite losing a bright young talent, Barcelona still maintains extremely high form with 7 wins in the last 8 matches in all competitions, and 8 consecutive wins in La Liga. This achievement helps them create a 9-point gap with Real Madrid (before round 32).
The Catalan team is holding the right to self-determination with a series of last matches against Osasuna, Real Madrid, Alaves, Betis and Valencia. A victory against Getafe will take Barcelona one step further to the throne. However, it should be noted that their last four defeats against Getafe all took place at the Coliseum - a factor that makes this away trip not easy at all.
Getafe is sublimating, but Barcelona is still at a different level. This confrontation is therefore promised to be a real test for the home team's ambition.
Personnel situation
Getafe will not have the service of Zaid Romero due to suspension in the important weekend match. Besides, two attacking factors Juanmi and Borja Mayoral are also absent due to injury.
However, the Coliseum home team welcomed positive news when Domingos Duarte returned after suspension and is likely to immediately be in the starting lineup.
A noteworthy point in Getafe's arrangement is that Djene Dakonam may continue to be pulled up to play midfielder, while Martin Satriano will lead the attack. This striker has scored 4 goals in La Liga since joining Lyon in the winter transfer window.
On the other side, Barcelona suffered a big loss when Lamine Yamal officially rested for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in the victory against Celta Vigo.
In addition, a series of other names are also absent such as Andreas Christensen (knee), Raphinha (hamstring) and Eric Garcia (suspended).
Joao Cancelo's case brings some hope for Hansi Flick, as this defender only has a minor thigh problem and may be able to return in time.
To fill the gap, Flick is likely to give Alejandro Balde a chance in defense, and welcome the return of Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong.
Notably, Yamal's absence may open up a chance to start for young talent Roony Bardghji - who is facing his fifth appearance in La Liga this season.
Expected lineup:
Soria, Abqar, Duarte, Boselli, Femenia, Dakonam, Milla, Arambarri, Iglesias, Vazquez, Satriano.
J. Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde, De Jong, Pedri, Bardghji, Gavi, Fermin, Torres.
The match between Getafe and Barcelona takes place at 9:15 PM on April 25 (Vietnam time).
