The status quo in the Spanish La Liga remains, as Barcelona come back from two goals down against Getafe thanks to a nine-minute hat trick from Pedro Rodriguez to win 5-2, while Real Madrid squeak out a victory in Valencia, partially thanks to a blatant offside goal by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Will Carlo Ancelotti continue to complain about referees, helping him through at least two matches if not more this season? While Real Madrid hardly need this kind of help when they’re playing at home, it seems that when away matches get kind of difficult for them, the whistles start blowing their way. They’re allowed to play slightly more brutally, getting away with fouls that wouldn’t be overlooked by referees if it was the other team committing them.
Maybe Jese will be remembered as the hero of their 3-2 win over Valencia, scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute, but a lot of help came from Cristiano Ronaldo giving Real Madrid the lead for a second time in the second half. Valencia were called for a foul despite nothing actually happening, and Real Madrid got a chance for a set piece in a dangerous position. A cross and Cristiano Ronaldo goal gave them the lead for a second time, but it was quite easy to see, even without the replays, four Real Madrid players in an offside position.
Getafe hardly present an easy away challenge for many teams. Barcelona were playing with Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Victor Valdes, and had a goal disallowed early on, which probably should have been allowed. Then came their defensive collapse, allowing Getafe to score two goals.
Pedro has become the man Barcelona, when in a full lineup, keep on the bench. It hurts his chances of playing for Spain in the World Cup, and it’s clear to see how much more fired up he is when he’s getting opportunities this season. That fire resulted in a hat trick to give Barcelona the lead before the end of the first half; Cesc Fabregas finished the job in the second half with two more goals, keeping Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, while Real Madrid linger five points below.