Barcelona extend La Liga title lead to 11 points following victory over Getafe
Goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford seal a 2-0 win as Real Madrid slip further with a draw against Betis
Barcelona have extended their lead at the top of La Liga to 11 points with five matches remaining after defeating Getafe 2-0 at the Estadio Coliseum. The victory for Hansi Flick's side moves the defending champions clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who saw their title hopes dented by a draw against Real Betis on the same day.
The match was notable for the absence of vital injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, yet Barcelona still managed to see off Jose Bordalas's side, who finished sixth in the previous season. Although Getafe attempted to disrupt the hosts' rhythm through small fouls, Barcelona maintained their defensive structure and converted the limited opportunities they created.
Fermin Lopez scored the opening goal just before half-time after being played in by Pedri. Lopez, who is wearing a protective mask following a collision with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso during the Champions League quarterfinals last week, remained composed to slot the ball home. In a gesture of solidarity with his teammate, Lopez imitated Yamal's usual "304" celebration in tribute to the injured teenage star.
The second goal came in the second half when Marcus Rashford, playing on loan from Manchester United, secured the triumph. Robert Lewandowski sent the England international charging through on goal, and he slipped a low effort past Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. Flick noted that Rashford came on in the second half and effectively used the space available to the opposition.
With the title race now heavily weighted in Barcelona's favour, the Catalan club must still overcome Osasuna next weekend to secure their second consecutive Spanish title. Their path remains contingent on Real Madrid failing to beat Espanyol, though the current 11-point gap with five games left suggests a comfortable margin for the hosts.
Flick cautioned against complacency, stating that while the team has a significant advantage, they remain focused on the next match rather than celebrating prematurely. Meanwhile, Lopez expressed relief that he is recovering well from his facial injury, noting that his priority is returning in time for the World Cup.
