The current season in the Spanish La-Liga has not started well for the current champions Barcelona. The Catalan giants drew 0-0 with Getafe on Sunday. Both teams were reduced to ten men in the last half due to losing tempers and red cards.
Barca winger Rafinha was forced to leave the field in the first half after receiving a red card for elbowing an opponent player. And in the second half, Jaime Mata of Getafe had to leave the field due to seeing two yellow cards. Even Barca coach Xavi Hernandez had to see a red card for crossing the touchline. His disciples started the new La Liga season with a goalless draw like last season.
In the match, Xavi introduced summer signings Ilkay Gondogan and Oriol Romeu. Still, Barcelona have to start one of the most uncomfortable away matches of the season. The Catalans had failed to score in their previous three visits.
Xavi complained against Getafe on the last tour about the field conditions. According to him, the grass on the field was relatively large, which disrupted the normal play of the match. This time he complained about frequent fouls by the host team. As a result of which his disciples lost rhythm.
Xavi told reporters, “The common audience does not want to watch football because of such a game. A single point is not enough for our team. This match was very difficult for us to play.
Damien Suarez injured Manchester City’s former midfielder Gundogan by punching him hard in the chest. Other fouls were also egregious. Rafinha was also targeted multiple times. He eventually elbowed Gaston Alvarez in the head, sending the Catalan midfielder to a red card.
In other La Liga matches on Sunday, Real Betis beat Villarreal 2-1 and Osasuna beat Celta Vigo 2-0.
(14 August/MM)