Getafe vs FC Barcelona: 5 talking points

FC Barcelona returned to winning ways with a regulation 2-0 win over Getafe, keeping them in the hunt for the league title. Neymar and Luis Suarez returned to the playing eleven, both scoring and there were a couple of impressive performances in midfield.Here are the 5 talking points about Luis Enrique’s side for the day

#1 Bravo defying age to remain at the top of the pecking order

Claudio Bravo

Despite having turned 32 this year, Claudio Bravo’s performances make the far younger and somewhat inconsistent Marc-Andre ter Stegen look away while Jordi Masip still needs to go some way to be trusted by  manager Luis Enrique.

The Zamora trophy holder was in full flow against Getafe yet again, marshalling his defenders well and being proactive on a perennial Barcelona weakness: set-pieces. Another impressive attribute of the Chilean is how quickly he has settled into Barcelona’s philosophy (Ter-Stegen may want to look away), as evidenced by his run out to the right wing ten minutes from time to clear a loose ball, showing decent athleticism for a 32 year-old.

His communication with his defence was flawless as usual, and any fears about a shaky back four in the build up to El Clasico can be put to rest with Bravo between the sticks. 

He may not have been everyone’s first choice to inherit Victor Valdes’ legacy, but the Chilean has grown into the role and deserves full credit for the same. Given that he maintains his fitness, he may still make it very hard for ter Stegen or Masip to dispace him for another two or three years.