Barcelona return to La Liga action after an extended international break, facing Getafe in a match that could set the tone for a demanding month ahead. While Hansi Flick’s side will start as favourites, the absence of Raphinha and the need to manage midfield fatigue present important challenges for the Catalan club.
The Barcelona vs Getafe clash takes place at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 23:30 WIB. Beyond the immediate battle for three points, the fixture offers Flick an opportunity to assess his squad depth before a difficult run of matches.
With Galatasaray, Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid on the upcoming schedule, Barcelona must balance the need to maintain their winning momentum with the importance of keeping key players fit.
Barcelona Aim to Maintain Their Winning Momentum
Barcelona have made an impressive start to the 2026/2027 campaign, remaining unbeaten across competitions and establishing themselves as one of the teams to watch this season.
Their attacking quality, control of possession and defensive organisation have provided a strong foundation for Flick’s system. However, returning from an international break can create new challenges, particularly when players have spent time travelling and competing for their national teams.
Flick will want his squad to rediscover its rhythm quickly against Getafe. Consistent pressing, accurate passing and intelligent movement will be essential if Barcelona are to control the contest from the opening minutes.
Getafe are capable of making life difficult for technically superior opponents through their compact defensive shape and disciplined approach. By limiting space between the lines, they can force Barcelona to circulate possession without creating clear opportunities.
That means patience could be just as important as attacking intensity. Barcelona will need to move the ball quickly, stretch the opposition defence and identify openings around the penalty area.
A victory would preserve their early-season momentum and provide valuable confidence before the schedule becomes more demanding.
Raphinha’s Absence Creates an Opportunity for Gabriel Jesus
Raphinha fitness is one of the major talking points ahead of the Barcelona vs Getafe fixture.
The Brazilian winger reportedly sustained a minor injury while representing Brazil against Australia during the international break. Although his recovery period is expected to be relatively short, Barcelona have decided not to risk him against Getafe or Galatasaray.
The cautious approach reflects the importance of preventing a minor problem from becoming a longer-term absence. Barcelona will need Raphinha’s attacking contributions during the coming weeks, making his recovery a priority.
His absence, however, creates an opening for other forwards to impress.
Gabriel Jesus is among the options Flick could consider. The former Arsenal striker has been adapting to Barcelona’s playing style and has already demonstrated his ability to contribute in limited minutes.
Having remained available during the international break, Jesus could offer a fresh attacking option. His movement around the penalty area and finishing ability may be particularly useful against a Getafe side expected to defend in numbers.
Flick also has alternatives, including Hamza Abdelkarim and Anthony Gordon. Another possibility is to deploy a flexible attacking formation without a traditional centre-forward, using players such as Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo or Fermín López in more fluid positions.
The final decision will depend on the balance Flick wants between direct attacking play, movement between the lines and control of possession.
Midfield Rotation Could Shape Barcelona’s Performance
Managing the midfield is another significant challenge for Flick.
Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fermín López have played important roles in Barcelona’s performances, but their involvement with Spain during the international break adds another factor to the selection process.
Even when playing time is carefully managed, international commitments can affect recovery and preparation. With several important matches approaching, Barcelona must avoid placing unnecessary physical demands on their key players.
Pedri and Rodri could be candidates for additional rest, while Gavi and Marc Bernal offer alternative options.
However, changing both central midfield positions simultaneously could disrupt Barcelona’s control of the game. The team needs players who can dictate the tempo, retain possession under pressure and create passing lanes against a compact defensive block.
Flick must therefore decide whether to prioritise continuity or introduce fresh legs.
The choice between Fermín and Olmo could also influence Barcelona’s attacking approach.
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Fermín López offers the ability to threaten from distance, potentially giving Barcelona another way to challenge a deep defensive line.
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Dani Olmo can exploit pockets of space between opposition midfielders and defenders, helping to create openings through movement and combination play.
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Pedri and Rodri provide qualities associated with controlling possession and maintaining midfield structure, making their availability and workload important considerations.
Rather than making wholesale changes, Flick may prefer a balanced rotation that preserves Barcelona’s tactical identity while reducing the physical burden on selected players.
Getafe’s Defensive Discipline Will Test Barcelona
Barcelona are expected to dominate possession, but controlling the ball does not automatically guarantee clear chances.
Getafe’s compact shape could force the hosts to search for openings patiently. If Barcelona move the ball too slowly, the visitors may have enough time to maintain their defensive structure and close down dangerous spaces.
Quick combinations, overlapping runs and movement from wide areas will therefore be important. Barcelona could also benefit from shots outside the penalty area if Getafe concentrate their defensive numbers close to goal.
This is where the selection of attacking midfielders becomes particularly relevant. Players capable of finding space in crowded areas could help Barcelona turn possession into genuine scoring opportunities.
Jesus, if selected, would need to make effective use of the service available to him. His positioning and ability to finish chances could provide an alternative to Barcelona’s usual attacking patterns.
At the same time, Flick must ensure that attacking changes do not leave his team vulnerable to counterattacks.
A Crucial Test Before Barcelona’s Demanding Schedule
The Getafe fixture represents more than another opportunity to collect three points. It is also an early test of Barcelona’s ability to manage their squad during a congested period.
Matches against Galatasaray, Real Betis, PSG and Real Madrid will demand different tactical approaches and a high level of physical preparation. Decisions made against Getafe could influence how effectively Flick manages his players throughout that run.
Three priorities stand out for Barcelona:
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Preserve their momentum by returning from the international break with the same intensity and organisation.
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Find an effective replacement for Raphinha without compromising the balance of the attack.
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Manage midfield workloads while maintaining enough creativity and control to break down Getafe’s defence.
Barcelona have the quality to win, but their ability to adapt will be equally important. A disciplined performance, intelligent rotation and effective use of their attacking options could help Flick’s side navigate this challenge and approach the coming fixtures in a strong position.
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