Lewandowski helps league leaders Barca overtake Getafe

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Robert Lewandowski continued his excellent form and gave La Liga leaders Barcelona a 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday.

The Polish striker scored from close range in the first half to secure Barca's seventh win of the season and give them a 100 percent league record.

Barcelona dominated despite failing to extend their lead, restoring their four-point lead over Real Madrid, who beat Alaves on Tuesday.

“You can’t always win by many goals,” defender Jules Kounde told Movistar.

“I think the most important thing is that we created a lot of chances again and got the three points… Getafe are always a tough team.”

Coach Hansi Flick let Inaki Pena start in goal for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, who had been out for months due to a serious knee injury, and brought Marc Casado and Alejandro Balde back into the team.

The reserve goalkeeper, who conceded 32 goals in 17 games in all competitions last season, heard the fans behind his goal chanting his name in support and saved an early header from Carles Perez.

In contrast, a weak touch on a Kounde cross by his opponent David Soria led to Barcelona's opening goal in the 19th minute, as the ball fell perfectly at the feet of Lewandowski, who finished from close range.

The 36-year-old striker has scored seven goals in the current La Liga season and is the top scorer. Under Flick, he seems to have regained his strength after periods of weakness last season.

“For me, he is the best number nine of the last ten years,” Flick, who also coached him at Bayern Munich, told reporters.

“His job is in front of the goal, in the penalty area, and he does that brilliantly.”

Young star Lamine Yamal could have doubled the lead shortly afterwards when Raphinha played him in, but his shot went just inches wide of the post.

Soria did well to save a shot from Raphinha, who was named Player of the Month for August before kick-off, but another attempt went wide shortly afterwards.

An hour ago, Yamal almost scored with a wonderful long-range shot, but Soria tipped the ball over the bar.

The Getafe goalkeeper also diverted a dangerous Raphinha free kick around the post as Barcelona pushed for a second goal to decide the game.

Spanish Euro 2024 hero Yamal hit the top bar with a brutal long-range shot, while Barca began to grumble about Getafe's persistent tough tackling.

Raphinha missed a golden chance in the closing stages when he headed wide after a clever shot into the box, but Barcelona were not punished for their wastefulness.

Getafe (19th) is still winless and missed another good chance in the last minute when Borja Mayoral failed to shoot from a good position and free in the penalty area.

“We didn't take our chances… we need to be more determined in the zone,” said Getafe midfielder Luis Milla.

The Madrid club has only scored three goals this season.

“It's clear that we have to improve there. I'm sure the team will score a goal in the end,” added Milla.

The league leaders next travel to Osasuna on Saturday before second-placed Real Madrid face rivals Atletico Madrid in a derby on Sunday.

Even though several stars were out due to injury, Flick's team has continuously improved since his arrival.

“He is a coach who is very sure how he wants to play (and) we understand that well,” Kounde added.

“The team enjoys training and we feel comfortable in the games.”

“He is a very demanding coach and that suits us well.”