Barcelona beats Getafe to edge closer to title
Barcelona took a decisive step towards defending its LaLiga title with a 2-0 win at Getafe, courtesy of goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford.
Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis only strengthened the Blaugrana's position at the top of the table, and they have now moved 11 points clear of their rival.
Fermin broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, collecting a brilliant incisive pass from Pedri before confidently sliding the ball past David Soria and into the bottom corner.
The visitors were largely kept at bay after the break by Getafe's rigid defence, with Dani Olmo denied by Soria after a neat set-up from Jules Kounde.
Barcelona eventually found its second in the 74th minute as it moved seamlessly from defence to attack after a Getafe corner, with Robert Lewandowski sending substitute Rashford through on goal for a simple finish past Soria from the edge of the area.
Hansi Flick's side could have made it three in stoppage-time as Marc Casado blazed over from close range, although it did not cost anything in the end.
Pau Cubarsi said Barcelona will not delay sealing the LaLiga title to celebrate against Real Madrid in the upcoming Clasico meeting on 11 May (AEST).
Asked whether he would prefer a guard of honour in Barcelona's next match against Osasuna or a title celebration against Madrid in El Clasico the next matchday, the Spaniard was unequivocal in his response.
"We want to win the league only as soon as possible," he said.
"Everything is happening so fast, I'm still processing all of it. But I'm happy the team is doing well. This was a key match to win and put us in a strong position in the league but we still have to give it our all.
"We knew we had to be very vigilant for the counter-attack opportunity against [Getafe]. It worked out well for me to recover possession for the first goal, and with space we have very good passers.
"We lacked solidity sometimes, but I was able to disrupt them. That gave us breathing room to look for the second goal on the counter-attack."
Flick also echoed Cubarsi’s sentiments about focusing on the present, adding: "The most important thing is today; we don't want to think about anything else. We have to celebrate only when it's done.
"We wanted to play our game today. I really appreciate what I've seen from the team with and without the ball."
