Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, has claimed that their hectic schedule has caught up with them, after they were held to a goalless draw by Getafe at home on Sunday.
The Catalans failed to register a shot on target during the first half and saw Luis Suarez’s goal correctly ruled out for offside.
Suarez was then denied late on by Getafe goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita, as Valverde’s men missed out on the chance to re-establish a nine-point cushion at the top.
It was Barcelona’s 12th game in 39 days since the winter break.
“We were lacking some freshness and rhythm, especially in the first half.
“Getafe are a team who stop you from playing so you don’t get close to their box. As the game went on we attacked more and more and despite our best efforts it wasn’t to be. They defended their box well and we lacked a bit of spark.
“We have had a busy month and have just reached a final.
“We can’t win every game we play or be 100 per cent all the time and this is why the coming week without a game comes at a great time for us to recover,” Valverde told fcbarcelona.com.
Comments