Pique probably went for the ball, but it was a wild challenge and the defender can have no complaints.

The sending off changed the game completely with Getafe finding more space to show that they too know how to move the ball sweetly about the pitch and Miku forced Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes into action on two occasions.

Nevertheless Zlatan Ibrahimovich should have made it 2-0 just before the break after beating the offside trap and rounding Codina only for his goal bound shot to be cleared off the line.

Maybe that miss helped make up Guardiola's mind for him, because after watching Valdes save from Roberto Soldado early in the second half, he replaced the striker with holding midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Rafael Marquez then replaced the injured Toure, before Seydou Keita missed another chance, by slicing wide from inside the area.

Barcelona was not to be denied however, and Xavi scored the second and decisive goal following a counterattack on 66 minutes.

It was set up by Messi, who pulled four defenders out of position before giving the midfielder a simple chance from close range.

The goal sealed Barcelona's win, but Getafe pulled a late goal back after Soldado scored from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute.

Marquez got tangled up with Getafe substitute Kepa and was also shown a red card, but although Barcelona ended with nine men, there was no time left for Getafe to make their advantage count.

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