BARCELONA TITLE HOPES IN TATTERS AS GETAFE EARN LAST-GASP DRAW

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, rounding off a neat passing move to convert Dani Alves’ pull-back. The Argentine, unmarked on the penalty spot, timed his run perfectly to meet the ball, finishing with aplomb.
But the hosts didn’t have it all their way as they were soon pegged back, with Lafita equalising for the visitors.
Javier Mascherano was partly at fault having conceded possession deep in his own half, and then gifting Getafe a free-kick on the edge of his own penalty area in an attempt to make amends for the error.
Getafe’s set-piece was a poor one, but the ball found its way to Lafita, who controlled well, holding off the challenge of Adriano to finish well from a tight angle.
The goal gave the visitors some self-belief and they started to play with confidence, but, despite their best efforts, couldn’t find another goal.
With a little over 20 minutes to play Tata Martino introduced Cesc Fabregas who replaced Javier Mascherano in what was a change full of attacking intent.
And the change instantly paid off as Fabregas engineered a move just seconds later that led to Barca’s second of the day.
The former Arsenal midfielder started off a neat passing move, working it down the right before continuing his run into the penalty area. He received the ball once again, pulling it back into the path of Alexis who smashed past the helpless Julio Cesar from six yards.
Barca looked to be coasting to victory as they then began to control the play, but, with just seconds remaining, the unthinkable happened as Getafe grabbed a last-gasp equaliser.
Substitute Jaime Gavilan Martinez was allowed time and space down the left hand side and provided an inch-perfect cross, sending the ball onto the head of the unmarked Lafita, who headed home from six yards.