Barca beat Getafe

Dani Alves scored a stunning volley on 17 minutes before Bojan Krkic doubled their lead soon after half-time to see the Spanish champions continue their dominant record over the Madrid side. Getafe have only ever beaten barca once in Catalonia, and they never looked like claiming an unlikely victory against the Blaugrana in this match despite Manu's late consolation..

David Villa was twice denied a penalty for two near-identical incidents involving defender Cata Diaz. The Spain striker was even shown a yellow card for simulation for the second claim after theatrically hitting the turf. Bojan, starting in place of the injured Pedro, also had a weak shout for a spot-kick turned down.

Alves, who was also booked as early as the second minute for a cynical trip on angel Arizmendi, fired Barca ahead when he met Diaz's header clear with a crisp right-footed strike that rocketed well out of goalkeeper Jordi Codina's reach.

Minutes later the Camp Nou crowd paid tribute to defender Eric Abidal, who is currently recovering from an operation to have a tumour removed from his liver, with a round of applause as the stadium clock showed 22 minutes, the same as Abidal's squad number.

Barca had plenty of chances to add more goals in the first half, with Lionel Messi having an overhead kick saved by codina before Andres Iniesta fired over the bar, Xavi shot wide and Villa hit the side netting, but Getafe could have levelled on 33 minutes.

Manu's cross passed Gabi Milito as the defender slipped inside the area and Javier Casqueros close-range effort was parried by Victor Valdes.

Soon after the restart Bojan made it two after Messi waited for his run on the edge of the box and played the ball into his path. Bojan cut inside and his shot deflected off Diaz and past the helpless Codina.

The one negative for Barca was the continued struggles of Villa in front of goal. The number seven was presented with a great opportunity to end his four-game goal-drought, but could only hit a tame effort right at Codina.

Manu steered a clinical volley past Valdes with two minutes of normal time remaining to ensure a nervy finish, but Barca held on to extend their unbeaten league run to 27 games.