Lorraine Williamson
Barcelona moved a step closer to the La Liga title on Saturday night after a 2-0 win away to Getafe left them 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
The result means the Barcelona La Liga title charge is now firmly in their own hands, with only five matches left to play. Reuters reported that Fermín López opened the scoring before Marcus Rashford sealed the win in the second half.
Pedri leads Barcelona through a difficult night
Getafe made Barcelona work for the result at the Coliseum. The first half was tight, with little space and few clear chances.
Then Pedri changed the mood. His pass set up Fermín just before half-time, giving Barcelona the control they needed.
Rashford added the second after the break, finishing a quick counter-attack to end Getafe’s resistance.
Title could be decided next week
El País reported that Barcelona could be crowned champions next week if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to win against Espanyol.
That would mark a huge moment in Hansi Flick’s first season in charge. Barcelona have now won nine league games in a row, giving them clear momentum at the decisive stage.
Real Madrid’s draw with Betis on Friday also helped widen the gap at the top.
Getafe still fighting for Europe
The defeat was a setback for Getafe, but their season is far from over. They remain in the fight for European places, which has given this final stretch of La Liga extra tension.
For Barcelona, though, the picture is simple. Keep winning, and the title is theirs.
Barcelona can almost touch the trophy
Barcelona have not yet crossed the line. But this felt like one of those matches that champions find a way to win.
A difficult away ground. A tight first half. A moment of quality. Then control.
The title race is not mathematically over, but it now feels heavily tilted towards Catalonia.
Next games
Barcelona are away to Osasuna next Saturday. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are away to Espanyol the following day. If Barcelona win on the Saturday, they must wait for the outcome of the Real Madrid game on the Sunday.