Barcelona continue to build momentum in the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, both domestically and in Europe, as they prepare to welcome Getafe in La Liga this weekend.
The Blaugrana come into the game buoyed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Newcastle United in the Champions League.
Softfootball understands that the triumph at St James’ Park was made possible by the brilliance of Marcus Rashford’s clinical second-half brace, which were his first goals for Barcelona.
After the game, Rashford told Barcelona media how excited he was to score for Barcelona for the first time. As shown on the club’s official X handle, Rashford said:
Great game today, very difficult than we expected, but very pleased we can walk away with the three points. Very proud to score my first goal for this club and hope for many more.
Watch the video below:
Domestically, Barcelona’s form has been impressive since the conclusion of the September international break. They returned in style, putting six past Valencia without reply at Estadi Johan Cruyff. That emphatic victory was a clear statement of intent, particularly after the frustration of their 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano before the break. The six-goal demolition of Valencia not only boosted morale but also reminded rivals of Barcelona’s resilience.
Their opponents, Getafe, arrive with confidence and belief after enjoying a strong start to their La Liga campaign. Under the astute leadership of Jose Bordalas, Getafe have consistently developed a reputation as a side that punches above its weight with disciplined defending and opportunistic attacking.
This season has been no different, as they sit fourth in the table after four games, having won three of those encounters and only conceding just one goal. Their most recent outing was a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo. Both goals came in first-half stoppage time, with Mario Martin and Borja Mayoral delivering decisive strikes that broke their opponents’ resistance. This ability to seize key moments has long been a hallmark of Bordalas’ teams, who may not dominate possession but often maximise every opportunity presented to them.
Team news
Barcelona’s preparations have been a mix. The return of Frenkie de Jong has been a major boost, with the Dutch midfielder adding some composure and creativity to the heart of midfield. He was a doubt for the midweek Champions League clash, but his participation against Newcastle confirmed his availability and fitness. However, the absence of young prodigy Lamine Yamal remains a blow. Alongside Yamal, full-back Alejandro Balde and midfielder Gavi continue their rehabilitation.
Dani Rodriguez is also unavailable due to ineligibility. Despite these setbacks, Hansi Flick retains a wealth of talent to choose from and is expected to line up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lewandowski leading the line. Behind him, Rashford, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez are tasked with providing creativity and goal-scoring support, while Pedri and De Jong form the double pivot to control the midfield battle.
Getafe, meanwhile, has the luxury of continuity, with no new injuries or suspensions affecting their plans. Their only absentee is experienced striker Juanmi, who remains unavailable due to injury. Bordalas is expected to persist with a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing solidity at the back while flooding the midfield to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm. Players such as Luis Milla and Mauro Arambarri will be central to this approach, tasked with breaking up play and initiating counterattacks.
Up front, Borja Mayoral, who has already shown sharpness this season, will look to exploit any defensive lapses alongside Adrian Liso. With a compact defense marshaled by Djene and Domingos Duarte, Getafe will aim to frustrate Barcelona by closing down space and denying them the freedom they enjoyed against Valencia.
Head-to-head
Getafe 1-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Getafe
Barcelona 4-0 Getafe
Getafe 0-0 Barcelona
Getafe 0-0 Barcelona
Possible line-ups
Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Christensen, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Rashford; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
Getafe: David Soria; Abqar, Domingos Duarte, Djene; Kiko Femenia, Mario Martin, Luis Milla, Mauro Arambarri, Diego Rico; Adrian Liso, Borja Mayoral (3-5-2)
Softfootball predicted result
Barcelona 3-0 Getafe
