Getafe 0-2 Barcelona - 5 Talking Points | La Liga 2019/20

Barcelona claimed a 2-0 win against Getafe as they look to piece their season together after a woeful start.

The Catalans were in eighth place going into the weekend. Barcelona had won just half of their first six league games, and they were without Lionel Messi for the visit to Getafe. The match started off evenly in the early stages. Barcelona took the lead when Luis Suarez ran onto a long ball from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Uruguayan chipped it over David Soria to give his side the lead. Barcelona were the comfortable side going into half-time.

Junior Firpo got his first goal for the club in the second half. The left-back converted on the rebound after Carles Perez has unleashed a powerful shot. Clement Lenglet was sent off for Barcelona in the 82nd minute, as the game became scrappy in the latter stages. Ernesto Valverde's side managed the game well to get their second straight La Liga win. Getafe dropped into the bottom half due to the defeat as they look do replicate last season's heroics.

We take a look at some of the talking points from the game.

#1 Suarez eases the burden of Messi's absence

Suarez opened the scoring for Barcelona

It's safe to say that Luis Suarez did not have the best of games against Villarreal. Despite the 2-1 win for Barcelona that day, the Uruguayan was far from impressive. His touch was out of sorts and he could not do justice to most attacking moves in that game.

He needed to step up in Lionel Messi's absence, and Suarez did exactly that. His goal was an example of his best traits, a sharp run followed by a great finish. Suarez combined well with Antoine Griezmann and Carles Perez. He had 4 shots in the game, the most by any Barcelona player. Two out of those were on target.

Last season Messi was out for a certain period of time, and Suarez stepped up massively. He has not had a great season so far, but Barcelona are dependent on him to deliver right now. The early signs are promising if this game is anything to go by.

Also check out: Premier League Table La Liga Table Champions League Schedule

#2 Griezmann fails to impress from the left-wing

Griezmann was quiet against Getafe

Lionel Messi was injured against Getafe, which meant the spot on the right wing was up for grabs. Valverde deployed Carles Perez in that role, which resigned Griezmann to the other flank. For a left-footed player who likes getting into central areas, it was not the ideal scenario.

Griezmann had just one shot in the entire game, which was fairly easy save for David Soria. His creative influence on the game was not a significant one either, as the Frenchman created just one chance in the game.

Griezmann has always thrived in central areas, mostly playing as a second striker. In Barcelona's system that is not possible, so he has to contend himself with a place on the wing. The right-wing is much more favourable for the Frenchman. Valverde will have to re-evaluate whether he is maximising his marquee signing of the summer.

#3 Junior Firpo settling in at slowly but surely at Barcelona

Firpo has his best game for Barcelona so far

Jordi Alba hobbled off injured in the Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund. Valverde did not have any backup on the bench, and he had to improvise in that game. But unlike last season, he has a specialist left-back he can turn to. New recruit Junior Firpo has started all the games since, and he is settling into his new club well.

His first game was a 2-0 loss against Granada, and the former Real Betis man did not impress. Firpo has started two more games since then. He looked assured against Villarreal in midweek, and Getafe saw his best performance yet. Firpo attempted two tackles and made 1 interception. He took his goal well, which sealed the win for Barcelona.

Jordi Alba has been a mainstay at left-back for Barcelona over the years. But the Spaniard is on the decline in terms of his physicality and injuries, and Firpo stands on the cusp. If the Getafe game is anything to go by, he could take up the mantle for years to come at Camp Nou.

#4 Getafe fail to capitalise on a fast start

Getafe started brightly but faded later on

Barcelona were under great pressure to get the three points, and it showed in the early stages. Getafe pressed from the front and it put Barcelona in some tough situations. The likes of Sergio Busquets and Arthur were caught in some difficult positions.

Getafe did not have much possession, but they were causing Barcelona problems. But the Catalans managed to pull through to take the lead through Luis Suarez. From then on, the pattern of the game changed and Barcelona were comfortable in their skins.

The loss has pushed Getafe down to the bottom half, which is in stark contrast to the fifth place they finished at the end of last season. They have won just one game so far this season in the league. However, coach Jose Bordalas can draw some positives from the game for the coming weeks.

#5 Barcelona settle nerves with back to back wins

Valverde has bought some breathing space with the two wins

After Barcelona slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Granada, the club looked to be in a state of turmoil. They were nowhere near the top in the table, and the football on the pitch was average at best. The trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann played in the second half but Barcelona managed just one effort on target in the whole game.

Against Villarreal in midweek, Messi hobbled off with an injury. This looked to multiply the problems. But six points in two games has seen the nerves calm down a bit. The 2-1 win against Villarreal was not comfortable, but they were a hugely important three points.

The win against Getafe put them in third place immediately after, just a point behind leaders Granada. Other results might change that picture, but not radically. The past couple of days have been a huge boost to Ernesto Valverde, something which the fans hope will continue.