Barcelona will put their strong start to the season to the test when they host Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, 10 October. The reigning champions and current leaders have won all eight of their official matches so far, but sports commentator and analyst Mikhail Beloborodov expects a difficult contest in the eighth round.
Barcelona have scored 36 goals and conceded eight in those matches, averaging 4.5 goals per game while allowing one. Their three most recent league victories came against Levante (4-2), Racing (7-2) and Sevilla (3-1).
Raphinha has been central to that run, scoring a hat-trick in each of his last two league appearances. However, the Brazil international returned from duty with his national team carrying an injury.
Although Raphinha could potentially play with painkilling injections, Barcelona have decided not to take the risk. He is expected to miss the club’s next two official matches. Frenkie de Jong also remains unavailable, although Barcelona have already adapted to playing without the midfielder.
Getafe qualified for the Conference League last season. They began their European campaign in the qualifying rounds, overcoming Serbian side Partizan 3-1 and 1-2 on aggregate.
Following the second leg in Belgrade, Pepe Bordalas’ team went four matches without a win domestically, recording two victories and two draws during that spell. They finally returned to winning ways before the three-week break in club football, edging Malaga 1-0 after scoring the only goal in the 85th minute.
Bookmakers strongly favour a comfortable Barcelona victory, but Beloborodov believes the market may be underestimating Getafe’s chances of keeping the match close.
Top clubs can often struggle immediately after international fixtures, he said, and the demands placed on players have been particularly high this time. Changes introduced by UEFA and FIFA meant many teams played four matches in two weeks.
Getafe’s approach could also cause problems. Their players are known for an aggressive, tightly organised style that restricts opponents’ space. During the current calendar year, they have avoided heavy defeats against leading teams: Barcelona beat them 2-0 and Atletico won 1-0, while Getafe defeated Real Madrid 1-0.
Without Raphinha, Barcelona may find it difficult to break through Getafe’s disciplined defensive structure, according to Beloborodov. He believes Lamine Yamal alone may not be enough to unlock the visitors.