Barcelona 1–1 Getafe: Missed Opportunity as Catalans Fail to Capitalize on Atlético Slip

DIS88 — FC Barcelona were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by Getafe on Saturday, 31 May 2025, in a result that could have significant implications in the La Liga title race. After Atlético Madrid’s surprise defeat earlier in the day, this match offered a golden chance for the Blaugrana to cut into the five-point lead at the top. However, despite early dominance and an opening goal from Jules Koundé, Barcelona failed to close the game, allowing Getafe to claw their way back and earn a valuable point.

Koundé Starts Bright, But It Doesn’t Last

Barcelona came out of the blocks with intensity and precision. The game’s first real opportunity materialized in the 9th minute when Pedri threaded a clever ball through Getafe’s backline. Jules Koundé, playing a slightly more advanced role under manager Hansi Flick, latched onto it, and though his initial effort was parried by David Soria, the Frenchman followed up on the rebound to slot the ball into the net.

The goal was a deserved reward for a team that looked sharper and more purposeful than in previous weeks. Barcelona were clearly instructed to play more directly, with quicker transitions and more overlapping runs, particularly down the right through Koundé and Raphinha.

Yet, that momentum gradually tapered off. While the Catalan side controlled possession—finishing the game with 78%—they were unable to make their dominance count. The final pass, often rushed or misdirected, left Getafe off the hook too often.

Getafe’s Equalizer Sparks Frustration

In the 34th minute, against the run of play, Getafe found their equalizer. The move began with a long crossfield switch from Carles Aleñá—himself a former Barcelona player—which fell to Omar Alderete. His low cross was only partially cleared, and the rebound dropped kindly for Mauro Arambarri, who reacted quickest to fire the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Barcelona’s defending, particularly from set-piece and second-ball situations, has been suspect throughout the season, and this goal exposed those weaknesses once again. Despite having the personnel advantage and time to reset their shape, Barça allowed too much space inside the penalty area, something that will surely concern Flick going forward.

Flick’s Tactical Adjustments

At halftime, Flick made two substitutions aimed at regaining control: Frenkie de Jong replaced Ilkay Gündoğan to provide more verticality, and João Félix came on for Ferran Torres. The changes brought a visible uptick in urgency, with Barcelona camped inside Getafe’s half for long spells.

De Jong offered a dynamic presence, carrying the ball through midfield lines and drawing fouls. João Félix, meanwhile, added some spark on the left, twice forcing Soria into action with low curling efforts. Still, the visitors were unable to carve out the kind of high-quality chances that might have tilted the match.

One of the best chances came in the 82nd minute, when Lamine Yamal picked out Raphinha with a clever chip over the defensive line. The Brazilian met it on the volley at the back post, but his effort whistled wide. It was the last real opportunity in a match that saw Barcelona struggle to translate pressure into points.

Key Statistics

• Possession: Barcelona 78% – 22% Getafe

• Shots: Barcelona 21 – 10 Getafe

• Shots on Target: Barcelona 5 – 4 Getafe

• Expected Goals (xG): Barcelona 2.35 – 1.27 Getafe

• Corners: Barcelona 10 – 2 Getafe

• Big Chances: Barcelona 4 – 0 Getafe

While the stats suggest a one-sided contest, Getafe’s disciplined shape and opportunistic goal highlighted how efficient play can trump possession in La Liga’s tightest encounters.

Player Performances

• Jules Koundé: Arguably Barcelona’s most influential player on the night. Scored the opening goal and remained a threat with overlapping runs.

• Pedri: Registered the assist and provided line-breaking passes throughout. Still lacked support in deeper buildup phases.

• Lamine Yamal: His creativity was evident in flashes, though he appeared fatigued by the closing stages.

• David Soria (Getafe): Made crucial saves and commanded his box effectively, earning plaudits for his composure under pressure.

Manager Comments

Speaking post-match, Hansi Flick cut a disappointed figure.

“We controlled most of the match but failed to be efficient in the final third. That’s where the game was lost.”

Getafe’s José Bordalás, on the other hand, was satisfied with the result:

“We know how tough it is to come here. The boys followed the plan perfectly and earned a valuable point.”

What This Means for the Title Race

Barcelona’s failure to collect all three points means they remain five points behind Atlético Madrid with just two matches left in the season. With Atlético set to face Sevilla and Celta Vigo, the odds now heavily favor Diego Simeone’s men to seal the title.

Barcelona’s final fixtures against Mallorca and Villarreal will now be more about consolidating second place and evaluating squad depth heading into the summer.

Final Thoughts

The 1–1 draw against Getafe will be viewed as a missed opportunity for a Barcelona side that has lacked consistency in key moments this season. While their style under Hansi Flick is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, the lack of clinical edge up front continues to be their Achilles heel.

For Getafe, the point moves them a little further from the relegation battle, giving them breathing space ahead of a difficult run-in. For Barcelona, the road to the title now looks distant, and unless Atlético falter again, this match may be seen as the turning point where the race was effectively lost.