By Our Reporter
Barcelona continued their impressive start to the LaLiga season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday, as England international Anthony Gordon scored his first competitive goal for the Catalan giants.
Gordon opened the scoring inside two minutes at the Spotify Camp Nou before Gabriel Jesus and Jules Koundé added further goals to secure Barcelona’s eighth consecutive league victory.
The result saw Hansi Flick’s side equal their best start to a LaLiga campaign, matching the eight straight wins recorded under Gerardo Martino during the 2013-14 season.
Barcelona moved to 24 points from eight matches, opening a five-point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who had played the same number of games.
Gordon, who joined Barcelona from Newcastle United in May in a deal worth an initial £69 million plus add-ons, made an immediate impact by finding the net after just 78 seconds.
The 25-year-old winger collected the ball around 18 yards from goal and unleashed a low shot that took a deflection off Getafe’s Mario Martin, wrong-footing goalkeeper David Soria.
Gordon celebrated enthusiastically, marking his first competitive goal for Barcelona with an archer-style celebration as his teammates gathered around him.
The former Everton and Newcastle player also contributed to Barcelona’s second goal in the 30th minute.
His pressing forced Getafe defender Zaid Romero into a mistake, allowing Gabriel Jesus to regain possession, cut inside and fire a low shot into the corner of the net.
Barcelona went into the interval with a comfortable 2-0 advantage after controlling much of the first half and making the most of their opportunities.
Getafe attempted to respond after the break but struggled to break down Barcelona’s defence, with the hosts maintaining control of the encounter.
The home side eventually extended their lead in the 73rd minute when Lamine Yamal delivered a dangerous, curling cross into the penalty area, which Koundé converted from close range.
The third goal effectively ended Getafe’s hopes of mounting a comeback, allowing Barcelona to see out the contest without significant difficulty.
Gordon’s goal was particularly significant after an encouraging run of performances for England in the Nations League. His first strike in Barcelona colours also added to his growing contribution since arriving at the club, having already registered four assists.
The victory further strengthened Barcelona’s position at the top of the table as they continued their pursuit of another LaLiga title.
Real Madrid, who defeated Villarreal 1-0 later on Saturday, remained third on 18 points, six behind their fierce rivals.