Pedro scored a first-half hat-trick as Barcelona came from 2-0 down to beat Getafe 5-2 in Madrid on Sunday.
The result means that the Spanish champions will top the La Liga table at Christmas ahead of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
The home side were 2-0 ahead inside 15 minutes courtesy of goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro Lopez, but Pedro struck a late first-half hat-trick to leave Barcelona 3-2 ahead at the interval.
Barca had their fourth 20 minutes from time when Cesc Fabregas scored from close range, before the Spaniard completed his brace from the penalty spot.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Getafe:
Shots: 12
On target: 2
Possession: 28%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 26
Barcelona:
Shots: 15
On target: 7
Possession: 72%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 7
Was the result fair?
In truth, Barcelona certainly deserved to collect all three points from this match. They appeared in serious trouble at 2-0 down as Getafe continued to force the issue in the final third, but showed such character to respond. The one-sided nature of the scoreline is perhaps slightly harsh on Getafe, but the Catalan outfit were at their clinical best this evening.
Getafe's performance
The home side were simply sensational in the first 15 minutes as they hassled Barcelona in midfield. They got their just rewards with a two-goal lead, but they collapsed in the latter stages of the first half. They attempted to respond in the second period, but the fourth Barcelona strike from Fabregas ended the match as a contest. They will perhaps never get a better opportunity to beat an understrength Catalan side.
Barcelona's performance
It was a performance that we have seen before from Barcelona. In truth, it was the same old story: nervy at the back, but with such quality in attack. The Catalan outfit were without Lionel Messi and Neymar this evening, but Pedro and Fabregas took centre stage. They will always concede goals, but their wealth of talent in the final third is quite frightening. Their character after falling 2-0 behind will also have pleased the supporters.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Pedro: The reality of the situation is that when Messi and Neymar are fit, Pedro does not get in the Barcelona starting XI. He made his point once more, however, as his stunning first-half hat-trick moved him onto 14 goals for the season. The winger also assisted Fabregas for the midfielder's first of the match.
Biggest gaffe of the match
With Getafe leading 2-0 in the first period, Ciprian Marica had a golden chance to make it three when he advanced into the Barcelona box. However, the Romanian forward took too long to release a strike, allowing Sergio Busquets to make the challenge. It is difficult to imagine Barcelona recovering from 3-0 at that stage of the match.
Referee performance
Despite the end-to-end nature of the La Liga contest, Alberto Undiano had a relatively quiet afternoon. The Spanish official must be credited for that as he allowed the play to flow in the correct areas, but he was also quick on the scene when necessary. Neither manager will have had any complaints about his performance.
What next?
Getafe: The capital outfit return to La Liga action with a trip to Osasuna on January 5.
Barcelona: Barcelona also resume league action on January 5 when they host newly-promoted Elche.
Matt Law
