The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF may not be as storied or intense as some of Barcelona's other rivalries, but it has seen its fair share of memorable moments and turning points since Getafe’s promotion to La Liga in 2004. Here’s a historical overview highlighting key matches and pivotal moments in the Barcelona vs. Getafe matchup:
1. Getafe’s First La Liga Victory over Barcelona (2007)
- Date: March 17, 2007
- Score: Getafe 2-0 Barcelona
- Overview: Getafe’s first-ever victory over Barcelona came in a La Liga match where they managed to stun the Catalan giants. Goals from Dani Güiza and Nacho helped Getafe secure a historic win. This victory was a major turning point, establishing Getafe as a tough competitor for the big clubs.
2. Copa del Rey Semifinal Upset (2007)
- Date: May 10, 2007
- Score: Getafe 4-0 Barcelona (Agg: 6-5)
- Overview: This is perhaps the most famous encounter between the two clubs. After losing the first leg 5-2 at Camp Nou, Getafe pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Spanish football history by defeating Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg, overturning the deficit to reach the Copa del Rey final. Getafe’s comeback was highlighted by stellar performances, including a brace from Dani Güiza.
3. Lionel Messi’s “Maradona Goal” (2007)
- Date: April 18, 2007
- Score: Barcelona 5-2 Getafe
- Overview: In the first leg of the 2007 Copa del Rey semifinal, Lionel Messi scored a sensational solo goal that drew comparisons to Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century” against England in 1986. Messi dribbled past multiple Getafe defenders and the goalkeeper to score one of the most iconic goals in football history. Despite the incredible goal, the match is also remembered for Getafe’s eventual comeback.
4. Getafe’s Late Equalizer (2014)
- Date: December 13, 2014
- Score: Getafe 0-0 Barcelona
- Overview: This match marked one of the rare occasions when Getafe managed to hold Barcelona scoreless. The match was part of a difficult spell for Barcelona, and the draw cost them crucial points in the title race. Getafe’s solid defensive display underlined their ability to frustrate one of Europe’s top attacking teams.
5. Barcelona’s Dominant Display (2015)
- Date: October 31, 2015
- Score: Getafe 0-2 Barcelona
- Overview: With goals from Luis Suárez and Neymar, Barcelona cruised to a comfortable victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. This match highlighted Barcelona’s attacking prowess during a season where they would go on to win the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League treble.
6. Getafe’s Resurgence (2018-2020)
- Overview: During this period, Getafe became one of the toughest teams in La Liga, consistently challenging top clubs and even qualifying for the Europa League. Matches against Barcelona were highly competitive, with Getafe often pushing Barcelona to their limits, although victories were still elusive.
7. Recent Battles and Stalemates (2020-2023)
- Date: October 17, 2020
- Score: Getafe 1-0 Barcelona
- Overview: Getafe secured a rare win against Barcelona thanks to a penalty from Jaime Mata. This victory highlighted Getafe's disciplined defensive structure and their ability to capitalize on Barcelona’s struggles during a transitional period for the club.
Key Turning Points in the Rivalry
- Getafe’s Copa del Rey Comeback (2007): Cemented their status as giant-killers and remains one of the biggest shocks in Spanish football history.
- Messi’s Maradona Goal (2007): A moment that became legendary, overshadowing the match itself and showcasing Messi’s brilliance.
- Tactical Evolution of Getafe (2010s): Getafe’s development under various managers into a defensively solid, high-pressing team made them a tough opponent for Barcelona.
Conclusion
The history between Barcelona and Getafe is marked by unexpected upsets, iconic goals, and hard-fought battles that have challenged Barcelona in different ways. While Barcelona has generally dominated the fixture, Getafe’s resilience and memorable victories have made this matchup a fascinating subplot in La Liga’s recent history.
