MADRID (AP) – Barcelona lost 1-0 to Getafe in the Spanish league on Saturday for their first loss this season to new coach Ronald Koeman.
Getafe lived up to his reputation as one of Spain’s defensive groups and limited visitors to two scoring opportunities.
Lionel Messi hit the right at 20 and Antoine Griezmann missed a wonderful opportunity in the part hour.
After that, Getafe pressed the score and Barcelona threatened again until Djene Dakonam came close to scoring a goal on his side clearing a crossbar.
Getafe, through José Bordals, advanced in the 56th minute when Jaime Mata changed penalties after Frenkie de Jong committed a foul on Dakonam on the edge of the area while trying to pass a loose ball.
The first loss in four league matches this season for Koeman’s team comes before the Champions League opened against Hungarian Ferencvaros on Tuesday and the first “classic” attack of the season against Real Madrid next weekend.
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