Getafe vs Barcelona: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Key Points:

• Barcelona visit Getafe in a crucial La Liga clash on Saturday night.
• Hansi Flick’s side have regained momentum after a strong start to 2025.
• Getafe, known for their defensive stubbornness, could pose a challenge at the Coliseum.

Barcelona resume their La Liga campaign on Saturday as they travel to Madrid to face a resolute Getafe side.

After a blistering start to the season, Barcelona stumbled toward the end of 2024, surrendering their lead in the title race. They enter this fixture sitting third in the standings, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who are on an exceptional run of form.

However, Hansi Flick’s team has found its rhythm in recent weeks. A stunning 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España was followed by another five-goal haul midweek in the Copa del Rey, where they thrashed Real Betis to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Getafe, meanwhile, advanced to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Pontevedra. Renowned for their defensive solidity under Jose Bordalás, the hosts will aim to frustrate Barcelona with their compact 4-4-2 setup.

Match Details

• Location: Estadio Coliseum, Madrid, Spain
• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes
• VAR: Francisco J. Hernandez Maeso

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)

• Getafe: 0 wins
• Barcelona: 3 wins
• Draws: 2
• Last Meeting: Barcelona 1-0 Getafe (September 25, 2024) – La Liga

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch

Team News

Getafe

Jose Bordalás is expected to stick with his preferred 4-4-2 formation. The hosts will rely on La Masia graduate Carles Aleñá to dictate play in midfield. However, they’ll be without Diego Rico and Alvaro Rodriguez due to suspensions. Injuries to Yellu Santiago, Allan Nyom, and Juan Berrocal also create selection headaches.

Borja Mayoral and stalwart defender Djene Dakonam are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested during the midweek Copa del Rey clash.

Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Soria; Dakonam, Duarte, Alderete, Iglesias; Aleñá, Milla, Arambarri, Coba; Uche, Mayoral.

Barcelona

Barcelona received a boost as Andreas Christensen returned to training after a long layoff due to an Achilles injury, but he might not start as he works his way back to full fitness.

The Catalans will be without Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Inigo Martinez due to injuries. In Martinez’s absence, Ronald Araujo is set to partner teenager Pau Cubarsi in central defense.

Robert Lewandowski and Marc Casado, rested during the Copa del Rey, are expected to return to the starting XI. Dani Olmo is also available despite an ongoing registration issue, although Gavi is pushing to start as the team’s creative force in midfield.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Prediction

Barcelona have rediscovered their attacking verve in recent games, scoring ten goals in their last two outings. However, Getafe’s defensive resilience cannot be underestimated. Bordalás’ side has the third-best defensive record in La Liga this season, although underlying metrics suggest they’ve been fortunate to concede just 16 goals.

Getafe’s offensive struggles could cost them in this fixture. They’ll likely aim to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with physicality and discipline, but Hansi Flick’s rejuvenated team should have the firepower to secure three points.

Prediction: Getafe 0-2 Barcelona