# Barcelona face tough test against Getafe as season enters demanding phase
FC Barcelona return to action tomorrow after a lengthy international break, beginning a demanding stretch in the season ahead.
Over the coming month, Barcelona take on Getafe, Galatasaray, Real Betis, PSG and Real Madrid among other opponents, with the fixtures growing tougher as the period progresses.
Advertisement
Tomorrow’s match serves as a fitting start to this run, as they face Getafe—a team that has caused problems in recent years through a compact, defensive game.
The regular Barcelona-Getafe encounter pits two sides with different footballing styles against one another, ensuring an engaging contest.
The Blaugrana are the clear favorites, yet Getafe remain far from an easy opponent.
Barça Universal outlines three key talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Getafe.
A need to keep the momentum
If the opening part of the season was a warm-up, the upcoming period is one of the most challenging in the yearly calendar.
Advertisement
The Catalans face major hurdles in the coming weeks regarding stylistic matchups and heavyweight fixtures, a path that is easier said than done.
For now, they stand as Europe’s best performing side and have not conceded a point in all competitions.
To exit this month with results that look just as strong, keeping their current momentum is vital.
As the international break acted as a brake on Barcelona’s momentum, tomorrow’s Getafe clash decides whether they can continue from where they stopped.
After all, their attacking threat, control and defensive solidity all looked strong before the break, so attention turns to Hansi Flick’s tactics and whether the players can restart with the same focus and dominance.
Advertisement
Raphinha’s first game out
Of the news from the international break, Raphinha’s injury is likely the most important story for Barcelona.
With a history of fitness issues on international duty, the club’s concerns looked real when Carlo Ancelotti removed him from the pitch during Brazil’s match against Australia.
Immediately after the episode, the Barcelona captain flew back to Catalonia for tests, which confirmed a minor injury expected to keep him out briefly.
Advertisement
While he may be fit enough to play against Getafe tomorrow, the manager has decided to be more careful with Raphinha.
He is out of the Getafe and Galatasaray games because the Blaugrana do not want to relive last season, when he returned too quickly and missed a month due to a setback.
Without Raphinha, Barcelona need a solid option at number nine, and reports suggest Gabriel Jesus will start on Saturday.
He is well rested following the break and eager to show what he can do.
If not the Brazilian, Hamza Abdelkarim and Anthony Gordon are choices for the striker role, while the manager could also choose a false-nine system with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez available.
Advertisement
Rotations in midfield
Barcelona’s midfield in decisive moments this season has centered on four players – Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez.
The squad has real depth here, but those four remain the coach’s most trusted choices.
Pedri and Rodri especially have appeared untouchable.
All four received call-ups from Luis de La Fuente for the recent break and featured prominently across the four friendlies.
Minutes were managed carefully, yet they are clearly not as rested as some others in the squad.
This creates a strong possibility that the coach will rotate midfielders, particularly with the busy schedule ahead.
Advertisement
Pedri and Rodri arguably need a break the most, so Flick must decide whether he can rest both at once or if he keeps one of them on the pitch.
Gavi and Marc Bernal offer potential replacements, but Getafe’s fighting style and defensive focus mean Barcelona might always need one of Pedri or Rodri to dictate play.
Advertisement
A further choice for the manager concerns whether Fermin or Olmo begins. Considering Getafe’s low block, Fermin’s threat from distance could prove important, while Olmo’s movement between lines is also useful.
The midfield is one area where the manager has important choices to make.