Ferran Torres struck twice as Barcelona swept aside Getafe 3-0 on Sunday, keeping the champions within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Dani Olmo also found the net for Hansi Flick’s side, who were once again playing at the Johan Cruyff Stadium while awaiting the reopening of the renovated Camp Nou.
Despite his midweek Champions League brace against Newcastle, Marcus Rashford started on the bench — reportedly as punishment for arriving late to a team meeting, Spanish media claimed. Flick has previously benched players, including Jules Kounde, for similar offences.
Torres, stepping in for injured teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, made the most of his opportunity.
He opened the scoring with a powerful finish after a slick move set up by Olmo’s backheel, then doubled the lead with a precise strike into the bottom corner from outside the box. He almost completed a first-half hat-trick, rattling the crossbar.
Barcelona grew frustrated at Getafe’s physical play, with several late challenges sparking tensions, but Flick’s men maintained control.
Rashford entered after the break, replacing Raphinha, and helped seal the win by cutting inside before squaring for Olmo to slot home Barca’s third. The on-loan forward nearly grabbed a goal of his own, but Getafe goalkeeper David Soria produced two strong saves to deny him.
“A lot of the time, they don’t try to do anything apart from too many fouls, in my opinion, but we managed it well… and the important thing is we got the three points,” Torres told DAZN.
The defeat leaves Getafe still searching for attacking form.
“We struggled a lot in attack, we weren’t able to create virtually anything,” admitted Soria.
Barcelona’s next travel to Real Oviedo on Thursday, while Madrid face Levante on Tuesday.
