Torres & Olmo’s excellence, Rashford’s impact: Talking points from Barcelona’s emphatic win against Getafe | OneFootball

Barcelona stretched their winning run to three games after hammering Getafe 3-0 in La Liga last night. Ferran Torres’s brilliant double in the first half and Dani Olmo’s second-half strike sealed three points for Hansi Flick’s side, who are only two points adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Here are the key talking points from the Catalan club’s victory.

Torres – Barca’s readymade successor for Lewandowski

In a game where Robert Lewandowski and Torres featured together in the attack, the latter stole the limelight with a sensational double. It is not the first time that the Spaniard has shown that he can spearhead the attack on his own, but doing it while Lewandowski takes the backseat could be the sign of things to come.

Torres’ clinical finishing was once again on display against Getafe. He made a timely run into the box to fire home Dani Olmo’s unbelievable back-heel to break the deadlock. His composure was impressive in 1v1 against the goalkeeper for the second goal.

The 27-year-old reinvigorated his nosediving career last season under Flick, bagging 19 goals and seven assists in all competitions – his prolific season in the Barca shirt. While many doubted whether he could keep up his form this season, Torres has done it with aplomb. He already has four goals to his name in five La Liga games this season, only behind Kylian Mbappe (5 goals) in the top scorers list.

With Lewandowski’s fitness being a concern and Barca exploring the market for his long-term successor, the Catalan club, instead, shouldn’t look beyond Torres.

Olmo’s magic dismantles Getafe

Dani Olmo showed yet again what he is capable of on his day. The former RB Leipzig star’s costly miss against Rayo Vallecano incurred criticism, but he responded with a classy performance against Getafe. Against the opponent who are notorious for their deep block, Olmo was the key to disrupting their defence with his intelligent movements and technical mastery.

His backheel flick to set up Torres after spotting Raphinha’s pass was a work of art, and he was clinical enough to put Marcus Rashford’s cut-back into the nets after making a great run from the deep.

Rashford and Pedri shine again

It has become a habit for Pedri to drop in masterclasses week in and week out, and last night was no exception. Coming off a massive performance against Newcastle United in the Champions League midweek, the Spanish wizard showed no signs of rustiness, as Getafe struggled to cope with his unparalleled talent. His passing was immaculate, and he created four big chances.

On the other hand, Rashford also continued his fine form by collecting an assist. The Englishman was expected to be in the starting XI after a headline-grabbing performance against the Magpies, but he was dropped due to being allegedly late to training. Nevertheless, his impact was palpable in the second half.

The Manchester United loanee made a great run behind Getafe’s high line to fetch Marc Casado’s long ball before squaring down to Olmo. He also showed he can be effective on the right flank with his pace, dribbling and shot-making.

Rashford is beginning to grow in confidence after a tough start to life in La Liga, and his momentum will be key for the Catalan club in the upcoming games.

Fermin Lopez suffers injury scare

Fermin Lopez’s injury concern marred an otherwise perfect evening for the Catalans. The Spanish midfielder enjoyed a lively cameo as a substitute before going down with a potential groin injury at the final whistle.

He received immediate medical treatment before heading into the tunnel with tears, amplifying the worries of Barca fans.

Lopez has been in tremendous form this season, and his long-term absence will be the last thing the Blaugrana want.