BARCELONA profited from a farcical own goal in their first game since the failed European Super League plot.
President Joan Laporta insisted the Dirty Dozen’s breakaway competition remains “absolutely necessary” before kick-off on Thursday, as he and Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez continue their campaign to screw over LaLiga’s also-rans.
Yet opponents Getafe were clearly in a forgiving mood as Sofian Chakla produced one of the season’s standout own goals to set Barca on their way to a convincing 5-2 victory
Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet had already put one in his own net in the opening 15 minutes, cancelling out Lionel Messi’s opener.
But his blushes were spared when Chakla overcooked his backpass and chased in vain as the ball agonisingly rolled over the goalline, restoring Barca’s lead.
Messi then scored his second goal five minutes later to make it 3-1.
Enes Unal’s penalty gave Getafe a flicker of hope in the second half.
But Ronald Araujo’s bullet header from Messi’s corner made the points safe late on.
And there was still time for one more as Messi generously passed up a golden chance at yet another hat-trick by allowing Antoine Griezmann to slot home and injury time spot-kick.
Victory takes Ronald Koeman’s side back into third in LaLiga – five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand – as we approach the end of a turbulent week for football fans across the continent.
The Catalans were one of 12 sides to sign up to the European Super League on Sunday.
But after widespread criticism, all six Premier League clubs pulled out on Tuesday with Atletico and Inter Milan following soon after.
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Despite that, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan still remain.
And Barca president Laporta has refused to apologise for the mess, insisting a super league is needed and that he hopes fresh talks can get it back on its feet.
Laporta said: “It is absolutely necessary. We are supporters of the national leagues and we will talk to Uefa.
“We have a position of prudence. It is a necessity, but the last word in the end will be from the members.
“The big clubs contribute a lot – we must participate in the economic distribution.
“It should be an attractive competition based on sporting merits. We are open to dialogue with Uefa, I think there will be an understanding.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
