Barca drops points against Getafe, fails to capitalise on Atletico’s loss

Barcelona failed to close the gap on the title race, as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Getafe.

The Catalans dropped two points despite scoring first, missing out on capitalise on Atletico Madrid’s loss to Leganes.

The visitors went ahead early in the game, after a 10 minutes goal from Jules Kounde. The defender met Pedri’s incisive pass and bundled the ball past David Soria.

However, the hosts drew level when Mauro Arambarri tucked the ball home from close range after Coba da Costa had seen his effort brilliantly saved by Inaki Pena.

Arambarri almost got the lead shortly after the break but fired his shot straight at Pena.

Barcelona had a late penalty appeal waved away after Kounde had his shirt pulled by Uche. Meanwhile, the referee allowed play to continue.

Substitute Frenkie de Jong almost snatched a win for Barcelona in the dying stages but the Dutch star was denied from distance.

Barcelona end the weekend five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

They will return to UEFA Champions League action in midweek, as they aim to seal a last 16 place, away at Benfica.