Paulinho saves Barcelona
MADRID: Barcelona snatched a late 2-1 win at Getafe with Paulinho’s strike sending them seven points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder’s signing was widely criticised by supporters but he ran on to Lionel Messi’s pass, drove into the area and fired home with six minutes remaining to preserve Barcelona’s 100 percent record in the league.
Gaku Shibasaki scored a magnificent volley to put Getafe ahead in the 39th minute but another substitute, Denis Suarez, equalised for Barcelona in the 62nd.
Champions Real Madrid, who are lying 11th, were due to visit second-placed Real Sociedad late last night.
“It’s important for them [Suarez and Paulinho] from a personal point of view. It gives them confidence,” said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.
“Them scoring shows that the squad has depth and that we have a lot of players who can contribute. Both of them get forward and they both have goals in them.”
Valverde’s side struggled to create many openings against a bold Getafe, who came close to opening the scoring when Gerard Pique nearly deflected Shibasaki’s cross into his own net, with Jorge Molina reaching it but firing into the side netting from point-blank range.
Barcelona were dealt a blow when record signing Ousmane Dembele was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 29th minute.
“We think it’s a tear but we will do more tests tomorrow,” said Valverde.
Antoine Griezmann ensured Malaga didn’t spoil Atletico Madrid’s moving in party at their new 68,000 Wanda Metropolitano stadium with the only goal in a 1-0 win on Saturday.
The French international, restored to the side after a two-game La Liga ban, swept home Angel Correa’s cross on the hour mark to move Atletico up to third in the table, four points adrift of Barcelona.