Barcelona face Getafe test as contrasting goalkeepers take centre stage

Barcelona’s possession-based approach will be tested by Getafe’s direct, defensive style when the sides meet at Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga, with goalkeepers Joan Garcia and David Soria offering a clear illustration of the tactical contrast.

Hansi Flick has warned that Barcelona’s October schedule will present a difficult challenge, particularly with Raphinha unavailable. His side will aim to control the tempo and break down a Getafe team renowned for its defensive organisation and willingness to play long.

The teams have conceded the same number of goals this season, with seven each, but their goalkeepers’ statistics underline their very different methods. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Soria has attempted 191 long passes, more than any other player in La Liga. Joan Garcia, by comparison, has played only 31, ranking 37th in that category.

The figures reflect the way the two teams build their attacks. Getafe frequently bypass the midfield by sending the ball towards their forwards, while Barcelona generally prefer to begin moves from the back, retain possession and use long passes only when necessary.

Joan Garcia has the superior passing accuracy, completing 87% of his attempts compared with 50% for Soria. The Getafe goalkeeper, however, leads in saves, having stopped 23 shots so far, while Joan Garcia has made 11. Soria’s save percentage is 77%, compared with 69% for Barcelona’s goalkeeper.

Garcia returns as Soria extends remarkable run

Barcelona are expected to welcome back Joan Garcia after he recovered from a knee injury. The problem kept him out of the meeting with Sevilla and also ruled him out during the international break, but he is set to resume his place in goal against Getafe.

Soria will arrive at Spotify Camp Nou with his own notable record. He has started 197 consecutive La Liga matches and is due to make his 198th successive start against Barcelona.

The run began on 13 August 2021, when Soria played against Valencia at Mestalla. He has not surrendered his place in the starting line-up since, despite a succession of managers taking charge of Getafe, including Michel, Quique Sanchez Flores and Jose Bordalas.

More than five years of uninterrupted selection have made Soria a constant presence between the posts. His continued involvement reflects the confidence shown in him by successive coaching teams and adds another dimension to the contest.

At Spotify Camp Nou, one goalkeeper will represent a side built around defensive resilience and direct football, while the other forms part of Barcelona’s possession-led system and its preference for constructing attacks from the back.