Raphinha

(WATCH) Raphinha sent off as Barcelona battle at Getafe

Barcelona find themselves facing an uphill task in their 2023/24 La Liga campaign opener at Getafe.

Jose Bordalas has reinjected some of Getafe’s trademark grit back into the team since his return to the Spanish capital in the final weeks of last season.

Getafe are unbeaten at home in league action in the last three seasons against Barcelona with 0-0 draws in the last two home ties.

At half time at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Bordalas’ plan is going perfectly, with the score tied at 0-0, and Barcelona down to ten players.

Neither side created much in front of goal, in a bruising opening 45 minutes, with debutant Ilkay Gundogan coming in for some rough treatment from the hosts defence.

Barcelona’s frustrations spilled over just before the break as Raphinha landed a petulant elbow on Gaston Alvarez with the Brazilian winger sent off.

The defending champions will need something special to break the deadlock after the restart to avoid starting the season without a win.

Images via Getty Images

Tags Gaston Alvarez Ilkay Gundogan Jose Bordalas Raphinha
La Liga - Club News