The Japan Times - Barcelona on brink of La Liga triumph with Getafe win

The defending champions moved 11 points clear of second place Real Madrid, who drew at Real Betis on Friday to dent their hopes of finishing the season with a trophy.

Hansi Flick's side can win their second consecutive Spanish title if they overcome Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.

Barcelona were without vital injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha but still did enough to see off Jose Bordalas's tricky side, sixth, in the Madrid suburbs.

"We were aware of what was going to happen here, we were going to have few chances and I think we played well, competing well defensively and putting away the chances we had," Lopez told Movistar.

"We know we've got a big advantage (in the title race) but even so, we can't relax, I know it's a cliche but it's the truth."

Getafe set out to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm with small fouls and Barca struggled to create many clear opportunities.

Dani Olmo made the first with a neat dribble, speeding into Getafe territory, but pulled his shot wide of the far post.

Eventually the hosts made the breakthrough just before half-time when Pedri played in Lopez.

Wearing a protective mask after hurting his face in a collision with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso during Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final elimination last week, Lopez stayed calm to slot home.

The midfielder imitated Yamal's usual "304" celebration in tribute to the injured teenage star.

"The truth is he's really important for us, it's a shame that he can't play any more, but the important thing is that he recovers well and is ready for the World Cup," added Lopez.

With Getafe needing to come out of their shell to find an equaliser, Barca had more opportunities after the break.

David Soria saved from Olmo after he met Jules Kounde's cross, and then the French defender headed a Joao Cancelo ball narrowly off-target.

Martin Satriano threatened for the hosts before Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, secured Barcelona's triumph.

Robert Lewandowski sent the England international charging through on goal and he slipped a low effort past Soria to help Barca put one hand on the trophy.

"They were very efficient, you give away two chances and they score them both," said Getafe goalkeeper Soria.

"It's a shame to have gone in behind at half-time because it puts you in a difficult spot."

K.Inoue--JT