Barcelona travelled to Getafe on Saturday evening knowing that victory would move them level on points with La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
The visitors entered the interval with a one-goal lead courtesy of a 37th-minute effort from Luis Suarez.
Barcelona then doubled their lead through Neymar just before the hour and that was how it remained in Madrid as Luis Enrique's side kept pace with Los Blancos at the summit.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
7.01pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome the reigning Spanish champions Barcelona. Getafe will enter this match off the back of a 5-0 loss at Sevilla last time out, but Barcelona have won their last two in the league after suffering defeat at Sevilla. The visitors will enter the match as the favourites to triumph, but it is far from a straightforward fixture.
7.02pmRight, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
7.04pmTEAMS:
GETAFE: Guaita; Damian, Alexis, Vergini, Lago; Lacen, J Rodriguez; Sarabia, V Rodriguez, Leon; Scepovic
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Roberto; Neymar, Suarez, Munir
7.07pmGetafe are without Alvaro Vasquez and Alvaro Medran this evening through injury, while Carlos Vigaray misses out through suspension. Damian Suarez is therefore brought into the team at full-back, but it is otherwise the same XI that lost to Sevilla. Angel Lafita and Moi Gomez remain on the bench.
7.10pmBarcelona boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, has named Jeremy Mathieu alongside Gerard Pique in central defence. There is also a return for Sergi Roberto following a period on the sidelines, with the Spaniard taking suspended Javier Mascherano's spot in the XI. Lionel Messi and Rafinha remain on the sidelines, meaning that Munir El-Haddadi starts in the front three with Neymar and Luis Suarez.
7.13pmH2H! In terms of the recent matches between the two teams, Barcelona have won three of their last five meetings in all competitions, including a 6-0 victory in their last match, which was at Camp Nou in the league back in April. That said, last season's league game in this very stadium finished goalless and Getafe also drew 2-2 with Barcelona in May 2014 at the home of the Catalan outfit.
7.16pmA total of 10 points from nine matches have left Getafe 13th in the table, currently four points clear of the relegation zone. They lost each of their first three league games this season, before putting three points on the board against Malaga on September 18. They then lost 2-0 at Atletico Madrid, but did put together a three-game unbeaten run before last week's thumping 5-0 loss at Sevilla, which included a 3-0 win over Levante and a 4-0 victory against struggling Las Palmas.
7.19pmGetafe are currently in their 12th consecutive season in Spain's top flight, but they have only finished in the top half of the table once since the 2009/10 campaign, when they ended the season in sixth. Last term, they finished 15th and it is expected to be a similar season this time around. In truth, it is difficult for Fran Escriba's side to match their more illustrious capital rivals.
7.22pmBarcelona, meanwhile, will enter this match currently second in the table on 21 points. Real Madrid beat Las Palmas earlier this afternoon to move clear at the summit, but victory for the Catalan outfit tonight would see them join Los Blancos on 24 points. Luis Enrique's side have already been beaten twice in the league this season, but seven victories have seen them keep pace at the top of the table.
7.25pmThere have been a number of defensive issues this season, however, with the Catalan side already conceding 12 times in the league, which entering Week 10, was the worst defensive record in the top nine. Lionel Messi's injury has also caused its own problems, but Luis Suarez and Neymar have both been among the goals in recent weeks. Enrique's side simply have to keep winning at this stage.
7.27pmBarcelona were actually also in action during the week, with a second-string XI only managing a 0-0 draw at Segunda B team Villanovense in the Copa del Rey. It is shaping up to be a busy end to 2015 with the Club World Cup also to come in December, but for now, the focus is on the league. After this one, their next two in Spain's top flight are against Villarreal and Real Madrid. Prediction time...
7.29pm... PREDICTION! Away win for me. Getafe have been strong at home in recent weeks and Barcelona are without a number of key players for this match, but I just think that the visitors will ultimately have too much quality in the final third of the field. Suarez to score in a 2-0 Barcelona win.
0 minKICKOFF! Both sets of players have joined us on the field for the first period in the Spanish capital. Can Getafe shock Barcelona? We shall see! It is the home side that get the action underway here...
1 min... CHANCE! Stunning chance for Barcelona to take the lead inside the first minute as a sweeping move ends with Neymar picking out Munir at the far post, but somehow the Spaniard's effort flies wide of the post. Incredible opportunity for the Catalan outfit to go ahead early on here!
3 minNot the best atmosphere inside the stadium if we are being honest, even with Barcelona in town. It has been the visitors that have started much the better, with Getafe chasing shadows thus far.
5 minNeymar and Suarez have both been in excellent form in recent weeks and the pair look in the mood this evening. Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the Getafe box and the home team are finding it difficult to put a foot in at the moment. All one-way traffic in the opening five minutes here.
7 minNot an awful lot for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening seven minutes, with their team struggling for possession all over the park. Barcelona continue to probe as Mathieu breaks the ball forward from defence, but Alexis stands strong to clear under Suarez pressure.
9 minLacen looks to have a problem for Getafe after taking the ball flush in the face, but the midfielder returns to his feet following a period of treatment and is fit to continue. Still goalless in Madrid here.
12 minBarcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Munir has been unable to break three of Getafe's defensive line in the opening 12 minutes. There is no question that the visitors are looking the more likely to open the scoring, but Getafe have started to press higher up the field in Madrid.
13 minCHANCE! Easily the best chance of the match thus far as Sarabia breaks down the left before setting up Victor Rodriguez, who delivers towards Scepovic, but the on-loan Celtic striker can only fire wide of the post after controlling with his chest. Barcelona were all over the place at the back!
15 minHalf-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta finds a yard of space outside the box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Getafe are starting to find their feet as this game develops in the capital.
16 minRoberto heads straight at Guaita following a decent Barcelona move down the right.
18 minGetafe are holding a very deep defensive line at the moment, but they have been able to gain some ground with Sarabia and Leon carrying the ball in wide areas. Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball, but they are lacking a bit of creativity following a really strong start.
20 minAlba breaks down the left for the visitors before attempting to pick out Neymar at the near post, but Alexis is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in Madrid.
22 minLuis Enrique is very animated on the sidelines at the moment and it is no surprise. Barcelona are having most of the possession, but the quality of their final pass has been disappointing here.
25 minThere has been enough in this opening 25 minutes to encourage Getafe boss Fran Escriba, but it has been frustrating for Luis Enrique thus far. The visitors again attempt to build down the left with Suarez, but the tenacious Alexis is across to clear the danger. Still goalless in the Spanish capital.
27 minSuarez breaks through on goal for Barcelona, but the offside flag is raised - tight call. Getafe are being very tenacious at the back and that approach is working as they win back the ball.
28 minCHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona to score as Neymar dances past a whole host of challenges before laying a cross into Suarez, but the striker has a fresh-air shot and the danger is cleared!
30 minGood work from the home team this time as Victor Rodriguez finds space in a wide area before delivering towards the far post, but there are no takers and the danger is cleared. Barcelona are still on top in the Spanish capital, but Getafe are having their moments on the counter attack here.
32 minAnother half-chance for Barcelona as Suarez drives down the left before delivering a low cross towards Munir, but Alexis is on hand to clear the danger. Moments before, Suarez had attempted to catch out Bravo from distance after a loose pass from Alba. It remains all square in Madrid.
34 minNot too much happening at the moment as we approach the interval with the teams still level. Barcelona are just struggling to find that final pass as Getafe remain nice and solid at the back.
35 minSuarez goes bonkers after Vergini seems to handle inside the box, but the referee says no!
37 minGOAL! Getafe 0-1 Barcelona (Suarez)
38 minBarcelona break the deadlock in the 37th minute as Neymar drives down the left before picking out Roberto, whose brilliant flick falls into the path of Suarez and he cannot miss from close range!
39 minIt was a really lovely little flick from Roberto, but for me, the goal was once again all about Neymar, who is causing so many problems down that left. The Brazilian is currently in wonderful form.
39 minBOOKING! Alexis (Getafe) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.
40 minMathieu strikes the resulting free kick towards the bottom corner, but Guaita is on hand to make the save. Getafe need to be careful that they do not concede a second before the interval here.
43 minBOOKING! Juan Rodriguez (Getafe) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
44 minGetafe are just struggling to get their passing game going at the moment, while Scepovic is extremely isolated in the final third of the field. Barcelona have not exactly been in full flow in this first period, but they are doing more than enough to lead at this stage. The hosts need some inspiration!
45 minDamian Suarez sticks one on his old mate Luis Suarez to bring another Barca free kick...
45 min... Neymar delivers towards the far post, but Guaita manages to fist clear.
45 min+1Neymar fires over the crossbar in what could be the final act of the first period.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Getafe 0-1 Barcelona
8.17pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Suarez, who converted after meeting a super flick from Roberto. Getafe have had their moments on the counter, but there is no question that the visitors deserve to be ahead at this stage of events. As it stands, they are keeping pace with league leaders Real Madrid.
8.22pmSTATISTICS! Barcelona have utterly dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had six attempts, two of which have been on target. As for Getafe, they have only managed one attempt on target. There have also been two bookings, both for the hosts (Alexis, Juan Rodriguez).
8.27pmBENCH WATCH! Getafe boss Fran Escriba has plenty of attacking options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Buendia, Gomez, Yoda, Lafita and Mensah all capable of making a difference in the final third. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Iniesta, Sandro Ramirez and Adriano.
8.28pmThis man has caused Getafe so many problems thus far tonight...
© Getty Images
46 minRESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Getafe respond? It will be tough. Barcelona get the second half of action underway in Madrid...
47 min... no changes from either manager at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of events. However, I suspect that both Escriba and Enrique will have some alterations in mind.
47 minBOOKING! Suarez (Getafe) is booked for lashing out at Neymar.
49 minAnother half-chance for Barcelona as Alba breaks down the left before delivering a low cross towards Suarez, but Guaita is on hand to make the save. The visitors might be in control of events in the capital, but at 1-0, Getafe will always be in the game. Still plenty of football to be played here.
51 minBarcelona continue to threaten as Alba and Alves take it in turns to deliver from wide areas, but eventually Leon heads behind for a corner. The pressure is starting to build in the capital...
52 min... GOAL DISALLOWED! Munir finishes from inside the box after being put through by Rakitic, but the youngster had just moved too soon and the flag was raised. Cracking finish though.
54 minDecent period of pressure from Getafe in the last couple of minutes, with the home side forcing a corner after Mathieu turned a Pedro cross behind. The hosts are starting to look vulnerable on the counter, however, and a second Barcelona goal at this stage would really harm their prospects here.
56 minThe offside flag again goes against Barcelona, with Neymar the player moving too soon this time. Down the other end, Victor Rodriguez had an effort blocked by Pique. Still 1-0 to the visitors here.
58 minLittle over 30 minutes of this second period remaining and Getafe are starting to put pressure on Barcelona's back four, which is raising the volume inside the stadium. Another home corner...
58 min... excellent goalkeeping from Bravo as he rises above everyone to claim.
58 minGOAL! Getafe 0-2 Barcelona (Neymar)
59 minStunning, stunning goal from Neymar as the Brazilian finds the back of the net with a wonderful volley from a Roberto cross. It is a goal of the highest order and Barcelona now lead 2-0 in Madrid.
60 minGETAFE SUB! Lafita replaces Getafe for the home team.
61 minBARCELONA SUB! Andres Iniesta replaces Munir for the visitors.
63 minIt is a long, long way back for Getafe from this point and Barcelona will fancy their chances of scoring a couple more goals. It has not been a vintage performance from the visitors, but they have been too good, too clever for the hosts. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
65 minSuarez and Neymar have scored the goals for Barcelona this evening, but Roberto has been simply lovely in the middle of the park. Talk about taking your chance amid problems in that area.
67 minAlves and Alba continue to play as right and left wingers for Barcelona, which is an indication of their dominance in this match. Sarabia attempts to make use of the space down the other end, but the Getafe forward had moved into an offside position. Little over 20 minutes remaining tonight.
70 minNeymar, who has been just a delight in this game, again finds space in the final third before edging a pass into Roberto, but his cross is too strong for Suarez and Getafe manage to survive a third.
70 minGETAFE SUB! Getafe replace Sarabia with Moi Gomez.
72 minBarcelona have not always had it their own way in this stadium, but they have been too good for Getafe tonight. The game is not over as a contest, but it is difficult to see the home side responding from two goals behind. As it stands, Barcelona will indeed more level on points with Real Madrid.
74 minLittle over 15 minutes of this second period remaining and Barcelona are so comfortable that it is painful. That said, the Catalan outfit are not exactly pressing for a third at this stage of events.
76 minCHANCE! Sensational chance for Barcelona to score a third as Neymar shows wonderful feet before picking out Alba, but his goal-bound strike is saved by Guaita. Some stop there!
76 minBARCELONA SUB! Roberto leaves the field for Sandro Ramirez.
78 minLittle over 10 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona are passing and probing in the final third of the field. Suarez and Neymar have once again made the difference in the absence of Messi.
80 minHalf-chance for the home side as Lafita finds space outside the box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. End-to-end football as Barcelona break straight down the other end with Alba.
80 minGETAFE SUB! Mensah replaces Juan Rodriguez for the hosts.
81 minGetafe again have a half-chance as the ball falls for Victor Rodriguez outside the box, but his effort was never troubling Bravo, who has been largely unworried in this La Liga fixture. Still 2-0 here.
83 minYou just get the feeling that there is another goal in this game as both teams commit players in the final third. Neymar is just dancing past Getafe challenges for fun, as he has done all evening.
85 minIn fairness to Getafe they have had a go in the last 15, 20 minutes, but Barcelona have been nice and strong at the back, which has not always been the case this season. Getafe's willingness to press forward is leaving gaps down the other end, however, which the away side could indeed exploit.
88 minNot an awful lot to report in the last couple of minutes, with Barcelona more than happy to keep possession of the ball. It has been a comfortable evening in the capital for Enrique's champions.
90 minMensah, Getafe's third change, seems to have a problem here as he calls for treatment.
90 min+1Three additional minutes to be played here.
90 min+3Getafe will be pleased to see the back of Neymar after this match - the Brazilian has absolutely terrorised the home side's back four. Not long left and Barcelona have the possession in Madrid.
90 min+4Another half-chance for Barcelona as Suarez pokes a low cross towards the far post, but Neymar just cannot make contact and it goes out for a goal kick. That should be just about that here.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Getafe 0-2 Barcelona
9.20pmSo there we have it. Very comfortable for Barcelona tonight as goals from Suarez and Neymar give them a 2-0 win at Getafe. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
