Getafe get first real test in post-Uche world as Barcelona test looms

Super Eagles star Christantus Uche's move to Crystal Palace has severely weakened Getafe, leaving club president Angel Torres to lament LaLiga's strict financial rules.

Before the LaLiga side have had the chance to settle into the post-Uche world, they face a daunting trip to Catalonia to face Barcelona, fresh off their Champions League win over Newcastle.

Barcelona will welcome Getafe to the Estadi Johan Cruyff for their LaLiga Round 5 encounter on September 21, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 local time.

The Catalan giants currently sit second in the league standings with 10 points from four matches, while Getafe occupy sixth place with 9 points.

This match represents an opportunity for Barcelona to maintain pressure at the top of the table, while Getafe will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1, Hans-Dieter Flick)
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia (13)
Defence: Jules Kounde (23), Eric Garcia (24), Andreas Christensen (15), Gerard Martin (18)
Midfield: Marc Casado (17), Pedri (8), Raphinha (11), Dani Olmo (20), Marcus Rashford (14)
Forward: Ferran Torres (7)
Absent: Gavi (6), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (1), Alejandro Balde (3)
Doubtful: Lamine Yamal (10), Pau Cubarsi (5)

Getafe (3-2-3-2, Pepe Bordalas)
Goalkeeper: David Soria (13)
Defence: Djene (2), Domingos Duarte (22), Abdelkabir Abqar (3), Kiko (17), Diego Rico (16)
Midfield: Luis Milla (5), Mario Martin (6), Mauro Arambarri (8)
Forward: Adrian Liso (23), Borja Mayoral (9)
Absent: Juanmi (11)

Barcelona and Getafe have faced each other five times in recent meetings, with the Catalan side holding a slight edge. Barcelona have won once, with three draws and one win for Getafe.

Their most recent encounter ended in a 1:1 draw at the Coliseum on January 18, 2025, with Jules Kounde scoring for Barcelona in the 9th minute before Mauro Arambarri equalized for Getafe in the 34th minute.

Barcelona's most convincing victory came in February 2024, when they thrashed Getafe 4:0 at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys with goals from Raphinha, Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona enter this match in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. They kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2:1 away victory against Newcastle United on September 18, and before that, they demolished Valencia 6:0 in LaLiga on September 14.

Their only setback was a 1:1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on August 31. Earlier in the season, Barcelona secured away wins against Levante (3:2) and Mallorca (3:0). The Catalans have been prolific in attack, scoring 13 goals in their four league matches while conceding just 3.

Getafe have also been impressive, winning three of their last five matches. They defeated Real Oviedo 2:0 in their most recent LaLiga fixture on September 13, following a 3:0 loss to Valencia on August 29.

Prior to that, they secured consecutive league victories against Sevilla (2:1) and Celta Vigo (2:0), before losing 2:1 to Lyon in a friendly on August 9. Getafe have scored 6 goals and conceded 4 in their league campaign so far, currently sitting in 6th place with 9 points.

Barcelona's current form and Getafe losing some of their best players in the transfer market leave the Madrid-based side far from being able to compete with the Blaugrana, who will be looking for a crucial win to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table.

Prediction: Comfortable win for Barcelona 3-0