Getafe 0-0 Barcelona: Three red cards shown in spicy affair as Raphinha is sent off for elbow and Xavi also receives marching orders with champions held

Raphinha received a straight red card for an elbow on Gaston Alvarez as Barcelona were held in their opening game of their LaLiga title defense.

Jaime Mata also got his marching orders just before the hour mark in a hotly contested match that saw tempers flare throughout, with Barca boss Xavi also sent off in the second half after protesting a foul.

The referee struggled for control in a game dominated by Barcelona, ​​but the champions failed to pull through despite efforts from the likes of Robert Lewandowski and new signing Ilkay Gundogan.

Barca thought they might have been awarded a late, late penalty when there was a VAR check for a foul on Gavi, but no penalty was given and there was time for Anthony Lozano to head narrowly wide from a corner before the final whistle finally blew sounded. blown in the 106th minute.

Full report follows.

Away coach Xavi was also sent off in the second half and had to watch from the stands

Ilkay Gündogan, the new Barca signing, was heavily involved but was unable to help his side secure victory