The game became heated after match referee Cesar Soto Grado brandished three red cards.
Barcelona failed to start their La Liga championship defense on a positive note, as they were held to a goalless draw by Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso. Match referee Cesar Soto Grado brandished three red cards during the game, turning it into a tense encounter. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was one of three who were given the boot. In the 71st minute, the Spaniard was issued a red card after arguing about a judgment.
In a post-match interview, Xavi was asked to discuss his on-field altercation with the referee. “I told him that they were allowing a lot of fouls and we weren’t getting them,” the 43-year-old explained to DAZN. We had a discussion with the referees the other day, and one of the first modifications they were going to make to the rules was that they would understand the coaches better since we are in a [state of] tension.”
‘My expulsion doesn’t matter; we tried everything [to win] against a very difficult opponent. We took an insufficient point, which is a shame,” Xavi was reported as saying.
Barcelona dominated the first half, with winger Raphinha putting the home defense under heavy duress. Raphina nearly scored the first goal of the night in the 36th minute, but Getafe goalkeeper David Soria saved the close-range shot to maintain the score at 0-0. Raphina was sent out six minutes later for elbowing opposing player Gaston Alvarez.
Jaime Mata, the hosts’ midfielder, was issued a second yellow card in the 57th minute for illegally challenging Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
Despite having 75% ball possession, Barcelona failed to find the back of the net even once. The decision by match officials to add a significant stretch of time also enraged Barcelona’s manager. “It’s also unfortunate that he added 20 minutes.” It’s crazy how we’re making a mockery of ourselves. We started the same manner last year and look where we ended up (champions). I’m pleased because we performed well with ten menβ¦ “We had opportunities, but we didn’t take advantage of them,” Xavi stated.
Barcelona’s latest La Liga victory came in 2019 at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Since then, the Catalan giants have drawn three games and lost one. On August 20, they will play their next game.
