FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.09.2009 11:14

Back in action at Getafe

Sandra Sarmiento

FC Barcelona travel to Getafe on Saturday for their first game after the international break and they will be looking to extend a run that saw them remain unbeaten in all five matches after weeks off last term.

Pep Guardiola has only had a skeletal staff to work with as the majority of players are away with their national teams, but when they return they have a tough challenge waiting for them in the Coliseum.

The game is being billed as one that could cause the Blaugrana problems given that few Getafe players have been away, the visitors' results against them in recent seasons and the condition that the Barça players will be in after playing twice in the previous ten days.

Two wins

On October 19 last year Athletic Club de Bilbao were beaten 0-1 in San Mamés thanks to a solitary goal from Samuel Eto'o. Xavi returned from the Spain squad with a knock while Carles Puyol was a substitute and Lionel Messi did not play at all.

In the last game that was affected by internationals FC Barcelona won 0-1 against Real Valladolid. Messi and Dani Alves went on as substitutes while Henry watched the whole game from the bench.

Three draws

In their other three matches after international games Barça drew each time as they were held 1-1 by Racing Santander in September, to a 1-1 draw in Camp Nou by Getafe in November and then 2-2 by Real Betis in Sevilla in February.