MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona endured a frustrating evening in their LaLiga season opener with a 0-0 draw in a feisty affair at Getafe marked by several bookings and three red cards on Sunday, including the dismissal of visiting manager Xavi Hernandez.
Champions Barca were dominating the match early on under the scorching heat of south Madrid, with Brazil winger Raphinha the main threat to the home side’s defence by running the right channel and creating several opportunities.
He almost helped the visitors open the scoring in the 36th minute when goalkeeper David Soria blocked his close-range strike back onto a team mate and the ball bounced just wide.
But Raphinha lost his cool and was sent off in the 42nd minute for elbowing Gaston Alvarez in the head off the ball.
Getafe were then also reduced to 10 men in the 57th minute after Jaime Mata’s fierce challenge on Ronald Araujo earned him a second yellow card leaving the match wide open.
Last season’s LaLiga top scorer Robert Lewandowski came closest for Barcelona with a close-range header which Alvarez managed to clear off the line in the 63rd minute.
Barca manager Xavi was also shown a red card in the 71st minute after complaining about a decision.