Barcelona can move a step closer to winning the La Liga title on Tuesday, as they take on Getafe at the Camp Nou. Luis Enrique’s side head into the round just a couple of points clear of Real Madrid, which could make any slip-ups at this late stage very costly indeed. Anything other than a win would be bad news for the Catalans.
Barcelona vs. Getafe 2015: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Getafe will look to extend their unbeaten run against Barcelona to three matches on Tuesday.
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The good news is that Getafe are no more than a solid mid-table plodder, who sit down in 13th place at present. They should have no problems avoiding the drop, though they won’t be achieving much more than that. What’s more, they head into this game without their top scorer Álvaro Vázquez, further blunting one of the league’s poorest attacks. The only good omen for them heading into this match is that they have managed to hold Barcelona to draws in both of their last two meetings.
Key player - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Barcelona have a better attack than any team in Europe, with the best player in it undoubtedly being Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward has scored 36 goals in the league this season, and hasn’t missed a single match. It’s a phenomenal record, befitting his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Don’t be surprised if he nets another goal or two here.
Key Matchup - Pablo Sarabia vs. the Barcelona defence
Like most Spanish coaches, Getafe's Pablo Franco Martín's tactical preference is a 4-2-3-1 formation, with former Real Madrid youth player Pablo Sarabia playing as the No. 10 behind the lone centre-forward. It is a role in which the youngster has thrived, earning himself links with the like of Arsenal and Manchester United. His job to maintain possession and relieve pressure for Getafe high up the field in this match will be crucial.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Gerard Pique (rested), Jordi Alba (suspended)
Getafe injuries and suspensions
Out: Karim Yoda, Ángel Lafita (knee), Juan Valera (hip), Álvaro Vázquez (shoulder).
Barcelona have no players sidelined through injury with former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen having finally reached full fitness (or as near to it as he's seemingly going to get), but Gerard Pique is rested and Jordi Alba is suspended. Getafe, however, are still dogged by a handful of long-term injuries, including one to striker Álvaro Vázquez. He's set to miss the remainder of the season after surgery on his shoulder.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), Movistar TV Fútbol, Canal+ Liga / HD, Gol Television (Spain)
Online: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (U.S. and Canada), Fubo TV (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Gol Stadium (Spain)
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