Another challenge on the horizon for Barça after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Barça host Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou (6.30pm CET) for a match that could keep them outright league leaders. The first game of the year in the stadium will see a tribute to the Super Cup champions and Sergio Busquets. A fiesta that will be topped off with the Year of the Rabbit celebration.
The squad
Barça come into this challenge in a positive frame of mind after winning their first trophy of the season and comfortably going through to the next round of the Copa del Rey against Ceuta. As such, Xavi Hernández' squad will be looking to keep the winning running going with three points in front of their fans.
The following players were selected for the squad: Ter Stegen, Bellerín, R. Araujo, Sergio, O. Dembélé, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Iñaki Peña, Christensen, Marcos A., Jordi Alba, Kessie, S. Roberto, F. De Jong, Raphinha, Kounde, Eric, Balde, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Arnau Tenas and A. Alarcón.
The opponent
Getafe visit Spotify Camp Nou after two defeats in the last two games, against Espanyol and Sevilla respectively. The Madrilenian outfit currently have 17 points and are in the bottom half of the table. Coach Quique Sánchez Flores will be wanting a win after none in the last seven games against Barça.
Already out of the Copa del Rey, Getafe will be wanting to move further way from the relegation zone in LaLiga by taking something back to Madrid from Spotify Camp Nou. Former Barça players Munir El Haddadi and Carles Aleñá are part of their squad.
Xavi Hernández' thoughts
During the Saturday press conference, Barça's coach warned that "it will be a tough game, but we hope to win it as we are in good form". Xavi Hernández also warned against potentially becoming complacent, stating "You can't relax. We have to keep our standards high, because we won't be able to enjoy more success otherwise".