Barcelona extend unwanted record against Getafe

Reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona have extended an unwanted league record after failing to get past Getafe in a pulsating 0-0 draw to open the 2023/24 season.

The Blaugrana’s first game of the season was marked by drama as one player each from both sides, Raphinha for Barcelona and Jaime Mata for Getafe got sent off either side of half-time, while the Catalan’s coach Xavi Hernandez also saw red for his touchline histrionics.

Barcelona could scarcely have been too surprised at the outcome of the match, as they have recently experienced a hoodoo away to Getafe that they once again failed to correct.

Visits to Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Pérez have become something of an arduous task for Barcelona, who, with yet another failure to grab all three points, extended their worst run at the stadium.

Today’s draw was the fourth time that Barcelona have failed to win away to Getafe, having already set the record for their longest winless streak against the Madrid club with last season’s 0-0 draw.

Barcelona missed four glorious chances that could have seen them take away all three points despite a 42nd-minute straight red card shown to winger Raphina for violent conduct after an errant elbow.

The 2022/23 LaLiga champions will see the draw as a less-than-ideal start to their title defence and will be hoping for an improvement when they take on Cadiz at the Olímpic Lluís Companys stadium next week, although they will be without Xavi and Raphinha.