Madrid: Barcelona’s Champions League recovery began Sunday and Getafe’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament could be over after they were beaten 2-0 at Camp Nou.
Arturo Vidal’s finish and a Djene Dakonam own-goal saw Barca bounce back from their capitulation against Liverpool, even if their fans had not forgotten judging by the swathes of empty seats and scattering of whistles before kick-off.
“It was a difficult game for all of us,” said Sergio Busquets. “We are trying to heal a wound that isn’t small.”
Getafe might have hoped for their opponents to suffer a longer European hangover but instead they dropped out of the top four, with one match left to play, after Valencia eased to a 3-1 victory over Alaves.
Barcelona’s victory means they stretched their lead at the top of the table to 11 points over Atletico Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla, and 18 ahead of Real, who lost 1-3 to Real Sociedad after Jesus Vallejo was sent off.
Jorge Molina thought he had put Getafe ahead in the first half but was ruled offside by VAR and then hit the post in the 88th minute with a header from close range.
In between, Vidal gave Barcelona the lead, turning in the rebound after Gerard Pique’s header was pushed out by David Soria.
Molina might have equalised but instead Lionel Messi forced a late second after a one-two with Sergi Roberto was poked in by Getafe’s Djene.
Real Madrid’s revival from their own Champions League exit is yet to materialise as Zinedine Zidane’s side slipped to their second defeat in three games.
“It’s a shame because we played well,” said Zidane. “Even with 10 men we created chances.”
It is also now only three wins from eight for Madrid, who took the lead thanks to a brilliant individual goal from Brahim Diaz, the former Manchester City winger finishing after a mesmeric, weaving run.
But Mikel Merino equalised after a silky back-heel from Willian Jose and Madrid defender Vallejo was sent off before half time for saving a shot with his hand.
Thibaut Courtois parried away Willian’s penalty but Sociedad capitalised on their extra man as Joseba Zaldua headed in at the back post before Ander Barrenetxea drove in.