GettyImages / Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty ImagesIt was a feast of goals for Barcelona, which defeated Getafe 4-1 at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Barcelona managed a comfortable 1-4 win against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in Matchday 4 of La Liga. Adriano, Lionel Messi (twice) and David Villa scored the goals for the Blaugranas.

Tito Vilanova opted for a 4-3-3 formation and started with Valdes in goal; Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Adriano in defense; Xavi, Busquets, Thiago in midfield; Pedro, Cesc, Tello as forwards. A brave move by our coach, who left Lionel Messi out and chose 10 La Masia players to start a tricky game away from the Camp Nou.

Barcelona's tempo at the start of the match was a bit slow but enabled us to impose our traditional pass and move style anyway. Our patient, creative game gave us control but Getafe looked comfortable, happy to wait at the back and hope for a quick counterattack on the break. Adriano's goal after 35 minutes was created by one of many Cesc Fabregas moves straight through the middle.

The game dynamics didn't change much after the break, Barcelona's lead and superiority were never in doubt. Further goals by Messi (who scored a double in just 10 minutes despite starting from the bench) and Villa solved an away match which has historically been far too difficult for the Blaugranas.

Perhaps for the first time ever, we can safely say the annoying FIFA Virus failed to weaken our team enough to create significant damage to our chances of continuing our quest for the La Liga title.

This valuable victory takes Barcelona a massive 8 points clear of Real Madrid, who were unable to avoid defeat at Sevilla (1-0). While Cules can be reasonably happy with such a significant lead at this stage, the truth is that it is still far too early in the season to count the current champions out. We are on the right track, but let’s focus on winning our next match rather than wasting our time looking too far ahead.

Player Ratings

Victor Valdes – 7 – El Gat was never really tested but was beaten by an unfortunate deflected shot which he didn't even have a chance to save.

Martin Montoya – 7 – A correct display from a player who keeps putting on positive performances whenever needed. Lacks some confidence to attack as freely as Dani Alves at this moment in time, but is definitely on the right track.

Adriano – 8 – The polyvalent full-back came to the rescue once again. His surprising goalscoring instinct is turning him into the Blaugrana's favorite unsung hero. A tremendous start of the season by our reliable Brazilian.

Carles Puyol – 6 – The eternal Capita used his impeccable positioning to stop the more speedy Getafe forwards. Had to be substituted after injuring his left knee. The Barcelona doctors estimated that he will be absent for at least 4 weeks. Get better soon!

Gerard Pique – 7 – Looked in top form once again, didn't have many problems to start Barcelona's creative play from defensive positions.

Sergio Busquets – X – A solid display by The Catalan Octopus. His mobile presence in midfield ensured constant steals and quick combinations with Thiago, Cesc and Xavi.

Xavi Hernandez – 8 – Took center-stage once again. Interchanged positions throughout the game, covering for Busquets at times, combining well with Thiago, supporting Fabregas and Messi upfront if needed. A key component of Barcelona's midfield roller-coaster.

Thiago Alcantara – 8 – The Samba Kid was as influential as ever and was unlucky to hit the crossbar after a Messi-like slalom through the Getafe defense in the first half. A remarkable return to the starting eleven.

Cesc Fabregas – 8 – Produced some very effective passes looking for our speedy wingers. Created Adriano's goal due to his constant mobility in front of the Getafe defense. Dropped back to midfield when Messi came on as a substitute. A remarkable way to silence those who doubted his abilities during the international break.

Pedro – 7 – The Micromachine was brave, eager to participate, quick in combination, skilled when dribbling and disciplined in defense. A massive difference from the off-form winger who Barcelona missed so dearly last season. Great to have the best PR17 back!

Cristian Tello – 6 – A courageous performance by the speedy winger, always able to put himself into favorable positions by staying out wide, stretching the Getafe defense and creating gaps for others. Yes, his touch was inaccurate at times and failed to convert a couple of clear chances, but his confidence keeps on growing week after week.

Substitutes:

Javier Mascherano – 6 – Substituted Puyol after 56 minutes. Unfortunate to score an own goal after an unavoidable deflection.

Lionel Messi – 9 – Man Of The Match - Substituted Thiago after 58 minutes. Left on the bench for the first time in La Liga this season, La Pulga didn't need long to add a couple of goals to his already impressive tally (6 goals in 302 minutes). Undoubtedly, the world's best -- whether the sad Portuguese likes it or not.

David Villa – 8 – Substituted Tello after 75 minutes. Managed to score one of his trade-mark goals after a quick run, a great first touch and a classic killer finish. In my opinion, should start every match from now so that he reaches peak fitness before El Clasico.

Coach:

Tito Vilanova – 8 – His debatable starting lineup paid off and has equaled the best Barcelona start in the last 15 years with 4 out of 4 wins in La Liga. So far, so good for our new coach: The Blaugrana machine was fully oiled and working perfectly tonight. May the happy times continue!

Have your say

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Who was your Man of the Match? What are your player ratings?

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