Paulinho scores the decisive goal, Barca maintains winning streak in La Liga

The Brazilian rookie's decisive goal helped Barca come from behind to win 2-1 at Getafe in round 4 on the evening of September 16.

Goals: Shibasaki 39' - Denis Suarez 62', Paulinho 84'

Four days after their big win over Juventus in the Champions League, Barca unexpectedly encountered many difficulties when they visited newly promoted team Getafe. TheyDominating ball control, but unable to launch sharp enough attacks against the home team's tight play.

In addition to their impressive defensive ability, Getafe also regularly organized counter-attacks towards Barca's goal. After Jorge Molina's shot missed the post by a hair's breadth, the La Liga newcomer took advantage of another opportunity from a cross in the 39th minute. From about 18 meters, midfielder Gaku Shibasaki unleashed a wonderful volley to put Getafe ahead.

Getafe almost caused a big surprise with Shibasaki's goal. Photo: Reuters.

After conceding the first goal of the season, Barca played more aggressively. Coach Ernesto Valverde also brought Denis Suarez and Paulinho onto the field to replace Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic to increase the heat in the attack. These were sudden changes.

Suarez was the author of the equalizer when he curled the ball from 14 meters into the top corner in the 62nd minute. The Spanish midfielder even comfortably adjusted his pace after receiving a pass from Sergi Roberto, then finished to beat the Getafe defense.

Like Suarez, Paulinho showed his boldness and good finishing skills in scoring the decisive goal. The Brazilian rookie started the scoring situation by moving to receive a pass from Lionel Messi, then making a step into the penalty area and firing an accurate diagonal shot.

This was Paulinho's first goal for Barca, after joining the Nou Camp from Guangzhou Evergrande (China) at the end of the summer. However, the 29-year-old midfielder has yet to start a match.

Paulinho comfortably scored.

On the other hand, expensive rookie Ousmane Dembele was unlucky. The French striker started his second match but did not leave much of an impression. He even had to leave the field in the 29th minute due to injury.

Dembele was replaced by Gerard Deulofeu. The other new signing of the season, Nelson Semedo, had to sit on the bench for the rest of the match, with Sergi Roberto starting on the right side of defence. This was the first rotation decision by coach Valverde in the first four matches of the season.

Paulinho celebrates his first goal in a Barca shirt. Photo: ESPN.

With four wins in a row, Barca has 12 points and maintains its leading position.in La LigaSecond-placed Sociedad have nine points and face Real Madrid in the late game.

According to VNE