Barcelona advanced into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win over Getafe in Madrid.
The away side entered the match as the overwhelming favourites having claimed a 4-0 win when the two sides met in the first leg last week.
Lionel Messi, who scored twice at the Camp Nou, added a brace in the Spanish capital as Barca eased into the next round.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics
Getafe
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 33%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 13
Barcelona
Shots: 18
On target: 5
Possession: 67%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
In a word, yes. Barcelona did not need to step out of first gear this evening let alone second, but it is difficult to criticise Getafe based on the fact that they entered the match already 4-0 behind. Dissecting this game on its own, the away side certainly deserved to secure a victory, but it would have been unjust had it been by more than two goals. In truth, it was a non-event for long periods.
Getafe's performance
Getafe's application and desire cannot be criticised this evening, but without a number of their key players, they struggled to cause Barcelona problems in the final third. It was not a surprise that head coach Luis Garcia rested a number of his first-team personnel, with his mind on their league fixture against Real Sociedad this weekend. The tie was over before the match began following Barcelona's 4-0 victory in the Camp Nou.
Barcelona's performance
Boss Gerardo Martino surprised many when the teamsheets were handed in and he had selected the likes of Neymar, Cesc Fabregas and Messi in a strong XI. While the Spanish champions picked up another win and clean sheet, it might have come at a serious price with Neymar suffering an ankle injury in the first period. Barca later revealed that the Brazilian would undergo scans tomorrow morning. It was just about as comfortable as the Catalan outfit could have ever imagined as they breezed into the next round, where they will face Levante.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lionel Messi: The Argentine might have been out of action for two months at the end of 2013, but some things never change. He scored twice in the first leg last week and added another brace this evening. His first was a delicate touch at the near post, but his second was a clear demonstration of his sensational balance and ability to finish from tight angles.
Biggest gaffe
Getafe had a wonderful chance to move into the lead this evening when Juan Rodriguez found himself unmarked inside the Barcelona box, but the Spaniard could only strike his effort straight at Jose Pinto from close range. It was a smart save, but either side of the goalkeeper would have brought a goal.
Referee performance
Jesus Gil had a fairly comfortable evening in the Spanish capital. The official was hardly seen throughout the 90 minutes as he allowed the match to flow in the correct areas, which certainly kept the intensity high. Overall, neither manager will have been able to find fault with the Spaniard.
What next?
Getafe: The capital outfit return to La Liga action this weekend with a home match against top-four hopefuls Real Sociedad.
Barcelona: Barcelona are on the road this weekend as they visit Valencia to face Levante in La Liga.
Matt Law
