Barcelona stay perfect as Atletico snatch late Alaves win

Barcelona extended their perfect start to the La Liga season with a 3-0 home win over Getafe on Saturday, as Anthony Gordon scored his first goal for the club. Gabriel Jesus and Jules Kounde also struck at Camp Nou, leaving the champions five points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Atletico had won 2-1 at Alaves earlier in the day, with Cristian Romero heading in an 87th-minute winner against the 10-man hosts. Their victory briefly cut Barcelona’s lead to two points before the leaders responded against Getafe.

Gordon sets Barcelona on their way

Gordon opened the scoring in the second minute with a low, deflected effort after working his way past three players. Jesus doubled the lead after half an hour when Getafe defender Zaid Romero gave the ball away in his own penalty area, allowing the striker to finish into the bottom corner.

Barcelona were without top scorer Raphinha, who sustained a hamstring problem during the international break with Brazil. Flick brought in Jesus, who marked his first start with his third goal for the club.

Getafe goalkeeper David Soria saved an effort from Eric Garcia and later denied Olmo, but Barcelona added a third when Lamine Yamal crossed for Kounde to finish from close range. It was Kounde’s record 194th Barcelona appearance by a French player, taking him past Eric Abidal.

Romero settles contest at Alaves

Atletico went ahead in the 33rd minute through Alejandro Grimaldo after he combined with fellow summer arrival Jonathan David. Lucas Boye equalised from the penalty spot before half-time after Robin Le Normand fouled Toni Martinez.

Alaves winger Angel Perez was sent off just after the hour mark for a foul on substitute Julian Alvarez. Alvarez later struck the post with a free-kick as Atletico pushed for a winner, before Alex Baena crossed for Romero to head in at the back post.

Barcelona maintain their advantage

The results left Barcelona five points ahead of Atletico after both sides had played on Saturday. Barcelona had won every match they had played this season: the Getafe result made it nine victories from nine across all competitions, including their Champions League opener.

Real Madrid were fourth and nine points behind Barcelona at that point, before their scheduled home match against Villarreal later on Saturday. Atletico’s win at Alaves followed their derby victory over Real Madrid before the extended international break.