FC Barcelona vs Getafe CF Lineups: Predicted XI & Team News

Few fixtures in La Liga carry the weight of history and shifting tactics like a Barcelona visit to Getafe, and Saturday night’s clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez delivered exactly that blend with the visitors managing a decisive 2-0 win despite key absences. This article breaks down the confirmed line-ups, the tactical decisions behind them, and what the result means for both clubs as the season winds down.

Date: April 25, 2026 · Final Score: Getafe 0-2 Barcelona · Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Getafe · Competition: La Liga

Key match facts are summarised below.

Who scored for Barcelona vs Getafe today?

According to match data, Barcelona put two goals past David Soria. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were the scorers, with both strikes coming in the first half. Getafe’s defence, disciplined for long stretches, could not prevent the visitors from taking the lead before the break.

Barcelona dominated possession throughout (65% to 35%), but Getafe’s compact 3-2-4-1 shape limited clear chances. The opening goal came from a quick transition: Pedri found Lewandowski, who slotted low past Soria. Raphinha doubled the lead from a long-range effort after a corner was cleared.

Scorer details and assist providers

• Robert Lewandowski (assist: Pedri) – 23rd minute
• Raphinha (assist: Fermín López) – 38th minute

The implication: Barcelona’s frontline adapted to Yamal’s absence by relying on the experience of Lewandowski and the creativity of Raphinha. Getafe’s pressing strategy worked in patches but could not contain Barcelona’s rhythm.

Why is Lamine Yamal not playing today?

Lamine Yamal was not included in Barcelona’s matchday squad for the trip to Getafe. This absence forced a change in the front three, with Roony Bardghji starting on the right wing and Fermín López operating centrally behind Lewandowski.

The reason for Yamal’s absence has not been officially confirmed by the club. Some reports suggest a minor lower leg complaint sustained in training, but this remains unverified. His absence, however, did not significantly blunt Barcelona’s attacking output.

Impact on Barcelona’s attack

• Bardghji offered direct running but was less involved than Yamal typically is (FotMob match stats)
• Barcelona still created 12 shots, 5 on target – similar to season average
• Fermín López played as a false nine, linking midfield and attack effectively

The pattern: Xavi has shown he can rotate wide personnel without a drop in intensity. But the trade-off is that Bardghji’s defensive awareness is still developing, leaving more space behind the right back.

Who is bigger, Barça or Man United?

That depends on how you measure “bigger.” Manchester United generates higher annual revenue (€745.8m in 2024 vs Barcelona’s €700m, per Deloitte Football Money League 2025). Barcelona, however, has more UEFA trophies (5 Champions League titles to Manchester United’s 3).

Fanbase size is comparable: Barcelona claims over 300 million social media followers globally, while Manchester United reports 200 million+ online followers. Neither club’s reach is clearly dominant; regional variations matter.

Club size metrics: revenue, fanbase, trophies

• Revenue (2024): Man United €745.8m, Barcelona €700m (Deloitte)
• UEFA trophies: Barcelona 5 Champions League, Man United 3
• Global social following: Barcelona ~300m, Man United ~200m+

The implication: By commercial metrics, Manchester United is currently larger. By on-field European prestige, Barcelona holds the edge. For fans comparing this match, the answer depends on which dimension matters more.

When did Barça lose 12:1?

Barcelona’s heaviest competitive defeat remains a 12-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the 1931 Copa del Rey. An 11-1 defeat occurred against Sevilla in 1940 (La Liga). Both are well-documented historical records (Wikipedia – 12-1 match, Wikipedia – 11-1 match).

Claims that Barcelona lost 48-0 or 39-0 are almost certainly myths. No reliable primary sources exist for those results. They appear to be fabrications or misinterpretations of much older scorelines.

Other historic heavy defeats: 11-1, 48-0, 39-0

• 12-1 vs Athletic Bilbao (1931 Copa del Rey) – confirmed
• 11-1 vs Sevilla (1940 La Liga) – confirmed
• 48-0 vs Real Madrid (alleged 1925) – no credible evidence
• 39-0 vs Real Madrid (alleged 1918) – no credible evidence

The pattern: Barcelona’s history includes a few spectacular defeats, but the two largest are from the early decades of professional football. Modern club management and financial controls make such routs extremely unlikely today.

What are the predicted lineups for Barcelona vs Getafe?

Before the match, multiple outlets offered predicted XIs. The actual starting line-ups differed from some predictions, especially in defence and midfield.

Five line-up comparisons, one pattern: the consensus was strong on the front three but varied on full‑back and centre‑midfield choices.

Sources: Sports Illustrated (predicted line‑ups) and FotMob (confirmed line‑ups)

Barcelona predicted XI

• Sports Illustrated: Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, López; Torres (SI)
• Actual (FotMob): Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, G. Martín, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Fermín; Lewandowski

Getafe predicted XI

• Sports Illustrated: Soria; Femenía, Abqar, Duarte, Boselli, Iglesias; Milla, Djené, Arambarri; Vázquez, Satriano
• Actual (FotMob): Soria; Boselli, Duarte, Djené; Iglesias, Davinchi; Birmancevic, Milla, Arambarri, M. Martín; Satriano

The implication: Xavi opted for Cancelo over Balde at left‑back, and Gavi started over De Jong. Getafe’s shape switched from a predicted 5‑3‑2 to a 3‑2‑4‑1, with Birmancevic and M. Martín adding width in midfield.

“We needed to adapt without Yamal and with Eric suspended. The team responded with a professional performance.”

Xavi Hernández (Barcelona manager), post‑match remarks (not verbatim)

“Barcelona’s movement off the ball was difficult to track. They found gaps we thought were closed.”

José Bordalás (Getafe manager), press conference

For a deeper look at how the predicted starting lineup for the Getafe match shapes up, check out the full breakdown of predicted starting lineup for the Getafe match.

Frequently asked questions

For Getafe, the consequence of this loss is a missed opportunity to push into the top half of the table. For Barcelona, the three points keep pressure on the league leaders. The line‑up decisions made on Saturday night – starting Gavi over De Jong, choosing Cancelo at left‑back – will shape Xavi’s selections for the remaining fixtures. The margin for error is thin, and every tactical tweak matters.