A late first-half hat-trick from Pedro has given Barcelona a 3-2 lead at half time against Getafe in La Liga.
Barcelona had an early chance to take the lead as a long free kick from Alexis Sanchez fell to Gerard Pique inside the box. However, the centre-back's shot was well saved by Miguel Moya in the Getafe goal.
The home side were the ones forcing the issue after that and took the lead with 10 minutes played. Sergio Escudero broke into the box and fired his shot under Jose Pinto from close range.
The visitors responded well with Pedro sending in a dangerous cross, but it was soon 2-0 as Lisandro Lopez found himself unmarked in the Barcelona box and directed his header into the top corner.
Pedro had the ball in the back of the net after rounding Moya, but the Spanish international was ruled offside.
Ciprian Marica then lost his footing at the vital moment after more shoddy Barca marking had left him free in the box. However, the away side managed to stage a remarkable comeback as the match inched towards half time.
Pedro collected a pass from Cesc Fabregas before lifting an effort over Moya to make it 2-1 with 34 minutes played. He then grabbed his second as he curled his effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
The drama wasn't over yet, however, as Pedro notched his hat-trick with a thumping shot that fizzed past Moya.
Gary Peters
