The disgraced former president of the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] Luis Rubiales was not worthy of representing his country, according to Sevilla vice president Jose Maria del Nido.

Rubiales was widely condemned for his behaviour as Spain celebrated their victory over England in last month's Women's World Cup final, having grabbed forward Jenni Hermoso before kissing her on the lips.

Hermoso repeatedly stated the kiss was not consensual and has since filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault.

Though Rubiales initially refused to resign, the pressure eventually told as he announced his departure ahead of an interview with Piers Morgan, which aired last week.

Sevilla became one of the first clubs to demand Rubiales' resignation on August 25, and Del Nido believes the events have left a stain on the reputation of Spanish football. 

Speaking at the Thinking Football Summit, Del Nido told Stats Perform: "Instead of everyone talking about the success of being world champions, being the best in your sport at a global level, it's a complete failure that we should be talking about events that are totally unacceptable, of a person who should not represent the Spanish Football Federation. 

"Instead of paying attention to the damage that the attitude of the president of the federation has done, I would stay with the attitude that the Spanish people have had. 

"I think it is true that this hurts the reputation of Spain, but Spain is not Luis Rubiales. 

"Spain is everything we have manifested against the behaviour of Rubiales, everything we have done to support Jenni. 

"This type of conduct cannot be accepted under any concept, and even less if it is a person who occupies a status or a position of that magnitude. 

"He is not worthy of representing the Spanish Football Federation. Spain has spoken out against this event in a very good way. 

"I will finish as I started. What we have to do is congratulate the Spanish women's team for becoming World Cup champions, which is the only thing that should be discussed."

Despite the exits of Rubiales and World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda – who was sacked earlier this month having been the subject of player revolts – the storm surrounding the RFEF is far from over.

A group of 81 Spanish players announced their intention to boycott international duty and 39 said they would continue to strike for further changes on Friday, with Hermoso claiming "nothing has changed" at the governing body on social media.

However, six of the players who agreed to strike reported at Spain's training camp on Tuesday, with goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez telling reporters she was not glad to join up with the squad as she arrived. 

With the relationship between women's rights and Spanish football under the microscope, Getafe completed the controversial loan signing of Manchester United's Mason Greenwood this month.

Greenwood was arrested and charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour last year, with the charges dropped in February after the withdrawal of key witnesses.

While Del Nido was not prepared to comment on Getafe's decision to sign Greenwood, he said Sevilla never considered a move for the forward.

"I read about it in the press and it was never among the options that the sporting director of Sevilla [Victor Orta] managed," Del Nido asserted.

"With it not being within the options of the sporting director of Sevilla, I don't dare to speak about a signing for another club, Getafe, for whom we have a lot of respect. 

"They have made some signings but we have never valued the option of that footballer at a sporting level, so I have nothing to say about that."

Greenwood made his Getafe debut as a substitute on Sunday as they beat Osasuna 3-2 in LaLiga.

Mason Greenwood made an impact off the bench during Getafe’s 3-2 defeat of Osasuna in LaLiga.

The 21-year-old made the switch to Spain on deadline day after it was announced last month that he would continue his career away from Old Trafford.

Greenwood was suspended by United last year over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online and faced charges including attempted rape and assault but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February this year that the case had been discontinued.

On Sunday he made his first appearance for his new club, coming off the bench with 13 minutes of the contest remaining and the teams level at 2-2.

Greenwood looked bright and he had a hand in the home side’s winner, earning a corner from which Nemanja Maksimovic scored.

Earlier, Stefan Mitrovic opened the scoring for Getafe but Iker Munoz equalised just before half-time.

Jose Carmona headed in to restore the home side’s lead in the 51st minute but Ante Budimir’s penalty six minutes later levelled things up for a second time and that was the extent of the goalscoring prior to Greenwood’s introduction.

Unused substitute Fabrizio Angileri received a red card for dissent in the closing stages but the hosts held on during 10 added minutes to seal the win and maintain their unbeaten home record.

Getafe’s next match is at high-flying Real Sociedad next Sunday.

Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas says the club must be “patient, calm and tranquil” as they decide when to hand new signing Mason Greenwood his LaLiga debut.

Greenwood has been welcomed by Getafe and many of their fans since joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

United announced last month that Greenwood would continue his career away from Old Trafford after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The 21-year-old has been out of action since being suspended by United in January 2022, while Getafe resume LaLiga action after the international break at home against Osasuna on Sunday.

Bordalas, who has included Greenwood in his match-day squad, told Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo: “It is a great hope and there is a great expectation to see him.

“He has been a year-and-a-half without competing, and he is in that period of adaptation and catching up with his team-mates.

“You have to be patient and take care of him. The day-to-day will tell us when he is fit to compete. We have to be patient, calm and tranquil.”

Greenwood made his last appearance for United in a 1-0 win over West Ham in January 2022 and Getafe’s fans are eagerly anticipating his debut for their club.

Following his arrival in the Spanish capital, Getafe’s supporters have focused on Greenwood’s on-pitch potential rather than the controversy which has stalled his career in England.

According to reports, Getafe have sold more shirts bearing his name than any other player in their history.

Bordalas added: “We know the potential and the level he has. I don’t like to speak on an individual level, but his team-mates are helping him a lot.

“The locker room has welcomed him with open arms, like the rest of the new players, and everyone has felt the warmth of the group.”

Getafe have retained top-flight status since winning promotion in 2017 and have taken four points from their first four league fixtures this season.

Mason Greenwood says he is “happy to be here” at Getafe as he was unveiled in front of the home crowd for the first time following his loan move from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old made the switch to Spain on deadline day after it was announced last month that he would continue his career away from Old Trafford.

Greenwood was suspended by United back in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online and faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February this year that the case had been discontinued.

Greenwood had the opportunity to train in front of the Getafe fans in an open training session on Tuesday and was later unveiled in front of the home supporters alongside fellow new signings Diego Rico and Oscar Rodriguez.

The one-cap England international was the last of the three to be unveiled and entered the Coliseum Alfonso Perez to cheers from the Getafe faithful before he waved back and kicked a signed ball into the stand.

Greenwood said: “I am very happy to be here.

“I have been training for four or five months, I am getting up to speed and have been training with my team-mates and feel quite good.

“We take it one game at a time and the next home game is coming in a few weeks and we will try to win and do our best.”

Greenwood’s last appearance came for United in a 1-0 win over West Ham in January 2022 and he could make his debut after the international break when Getafe come up against Osasuna on September 17.

England international Jude Bellingham came to Real Madrid’s rescue once again with a last-gasp winner against Getafe to maintain their perfect start to the LaLiga campaign.

The 20-year-old scored his fifth goal in four games since his £88.5million summer move from Borussia Dortmund to snatch a 2-1 victory five minutes into stoppage time at the Bernabeu.

Getafe, who did not include controversial deadline-day signing Mason Greenwood in their squad, took an 11th-minute lead through Borja Mayoral, but Real emerged with the points after Joselu levelled to hand Bellingham the role of match-winner for the second successive weekend.

Takefusa Kubo’s first-half double set Real Sociedad on their way to a thrilling 5-3 victory over Granada.

The Japan international struck either side of Robin Le Normand’s own goal before Martin Zubimendi, Ander Barrenetxea and Miki Bosch’s own goal secured the points despite late efforts from Lucas Boye and Bryan Zaragoza.

Valencia defender Cenk Ozkacar also got the better of his own keeper to hand Alaves a 1-0 win, while William Jose’s second-half strike was sufficient to secure victory by the same scoreline for Real Betis over Rayo Vallecano.

Mathys Tel came off the bench to head Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich to a 2-1 victory at Borussia Monchengladbach as England striker Harry Kane drew a blank.

Monchengladbach had taken a first-half lead through Ko Itakura, but Leroy Sane levelled after the break and Tel snatched the points with three minutes remaining.

Victor Boniface helped himself to a double as Bayer Leverkusen routed Darmstadt 5-1 to top the table on goal difference.

Oscar Wilhelmsson had restored parity after Boniface broke the deadlock. Exequiel Palacios, Boniface again, Jonas Hofmann and substitute Adam Hlozek all scored to wrap up a comprehensive win.

Chris Fuhrich and Serhou Guirassy both struck twice as Stuttgart also hit five with substitute Enzo Millot also finding the back of a net in a 5-0 mauling of Freiburg.

Marvin Ducksch’s third-minute penalty set Werder Bremen on their way to a 4-0 home win over Mainz, although they had to wait until the second half for Jens Stage, Leonardo Bittencourt and Justin Njinmah to cement the win.

John Brooks, Maximilian Beier and Robert Skov were all on target as Hoffenheim came from behind to beat Wolfsburg, who had gone ahead through Tiago Tomas, 3-1, and Takuma Asano scored both Bochum goals in a 2-2 draw at Augsburg.

Serie A champions Napoli suffered a rude awakening as Lazio’s Daichi Kamada condemned them to a shock 2-1 defeat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Piotr Zielinksi looked to have put the home side back on track when he cancelled out Luis Alberto’s opener, but Kamada secured the points seven minutes after the break.

Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca’s double helped to ease Atalanta into third place in in the table following a 3-0 victory over Monza at the Gewiss Stadium.

The £22.5million summer signing struck either side of half-time after midfielder Ederson had opened the scoring.

Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Giovanni Fabbian handed Bologna a 2-1 win over Cagliari, who had gone ahead through Zito, while Udinese and Frosinone finished goalless.

Monaco went two points clear of Marseille at the top of Ligue 1 after a 3-0 win over Lens at Stade Louis II.

Wilfried Singo set them on their way with a 24th-minute header and further goals from Aleksandr Golovin and Guillermo Maripan before the hour mark eased them home.

Brest and Rennes, however, could not be separated as they fought out a 0-0 stalemate at Stade Francis-Le Ble.

Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas has defended the club’s decision to hand Mason Greenwood a way back into football.

The 21-year-old joined the LaLiga side on loan from Manchester United, who suspended him in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online, on transfer deadline day.

Greenwood faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February that the case had been discontinued.

Asked about the decision to sign the one-cap England international after his side’s 2-1 league defeat at Real Madrid on Saturday, Bordalas told a press conference: “It is a very delicate situation to trivialise that issue.

“Everyone knows what happened and appropriate measures were taken. Everyone knows how it ended, with a non-convictory sentence.

“He is a footballer of a very high level and arrives at Getafe with enormous enthusiasm.”

Reports suggested United might try to reintegrate Greenwood into the squad at Old Trafford after concluding an internal investigation, but they revealed last week he would be leaving the club by mutual agreement after a public outcry.

Asked if signing Greenwood, who was not involved in the matchday squad at the Bernabeu, might prompt an unfavourable reaction, Bordalas added: “I can only speak at a footballing level.

“We all know the potential he has. He is a very young boy and we hope that he adapts to a very different League. Surely he wants to recover his professional status and Getafe can help him in that sense.”

Mason Greenwood has joined Spanish club Getafe on loan in a move that Manchester United say will allow the player to rebuild his career away from Old Trafford.

Greenwood was suspended by United on January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The 21-year-old faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February that the case had been discontinued.

Reports that United were planning to retain him following an internal investigation were met by public outcry and the club announced last week that it had been mutually agreed for him to leave.

Clubs in Italy, Germany and Turkey were among those to express interest, but Greenwood has now joined LaLiga side Getafe on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

A United club statement read: “The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United. The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”

The PA news agency understands Getafe are making a small contribution to Greenwood’s wages as United focused on finding him somewhere he could resume his career.

Academy graduate Greenwood scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United, with his last appearance coming against West Ham on January 22, 2022.

Tottenham spent big in the closing minutes of the transfer window by signing Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £47.5million.

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou made the Wales international his number one target following the departure of Harry Kane last month and Johnson has signed a deal at Tottenham until the summer of 2029.

Johnson’s arrival was Tottenham’s only incoming on transfer deadline day after proposed moves for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth collapsed.

Spurs had to trim their squad before they could sanction any more incomings and even though defenders Japhet Tanganga and Sergio Reguilon left on loan to join Augsburg and Manchester United respectively, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez were unable to secure transfers away.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also turned down an approach from Fulham and further talks with Atletico Madrid collapsed, while Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil remained at Tottenham.

Forest were the busiest club on deadline day as they wasted no time investing the Johnson cash.

Defender Nuno Tavares arrived on loan from Arsenal, Argentina midfielder Nicolas Domínguez joined from Bologna with Remo Freuler going the other way, while winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos were signed from Chelsea and Benfica respectively.

Liverpool – who have rejected a £150m offer for Mohamed Salah from Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Ittihad – and Manchester United both added to their midfield departments, with Netherlands international Ryan Gravenberch sealing a £35m move to Anfield from Bayern Munich.

United signed Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina until June 2024, subject to international clearance and registration requirements.

The PA news agency understands United have paid a 10million euros (£8.6m) loan fee for Amrabat, with the season-long deal including the option to trigger a permanent move.

If that option is taken, Fiorentina will receive a 20m euros (£17.1m) transfer fee and up to 5m euros (£4.3m) in potential add-ons.

Morocco midfielder Amrabat said: “It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player. I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams.

“I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.”

Earlier on Friday, United confirmed the arrival of Turkey international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce, left-back Reguilon on loan from Tottenham until June 2024 and former Reds’ central defender Jonny Evans on a one-year deal.

Manchester City completed the signing of Matheus Nunes from Wolves for £53m – a club-record sale for the Midlands outfit – while selling Cole Palmer to Chelsea for an initial £40m with an additional £2.5m in possible add-ons.

Wolves spent some of the Nunes money on midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who joined on a five-year deal from Strasbourg.

Crystal Palace bolstered their defence with the addition of Arsenal’s Rob Holding and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga also left the Gunners to make a season-long switch to Luton.

Brighton signed Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with Belgium midfielder Mike Tresor making a similar move from Genk to Burnley.

Mason Greenwood will spend the rest of the season on loan at Spanish side Getafe as the forward recommences his career away from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old was suspended by the Old Trafford club on January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

Greenwood faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February that the case had been discontinued.

Reports that United were planning to retain him following an internal investigation were met by public outcry and the club announced last week that it had been mutually agreed for him to continue his career elsewhere.

Clubs in Italy, Germany and Turkey were among those to express interest, but Greenwood completed a deadline-day move to LaLiga side Getafe on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

A United club statement read: “The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United. The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”

Greenwood remains on full pay and the PA news agency understands Getafe are making a small contribution to his wages after United focused on finding him somewhere to resume his career.

United sources previously indicated the player was not expected to play for the club again and the loan move comes 11 days after they released a statement following an internal investigation.

“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United,” the club said on August 21.

“It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”

In a statement released at the same time, Greenwood said he “did not do the things I was accused of” but added he had “made mistakes” and took his “share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post”.

The academy graduate scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United, with his last appearance coming against West Ham on January 22, 2022.

Greenwood, who has won one cap for England, is contracted at Old Trafford until June 2025, with the deal including an option to extend by a further year.

Marco Asensio's 20-yard finish helped Real Madrid to a low-key 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Getafe in LaLiga on Saturday.

The Spain international fired home a superb strike with 20 minutes to play at Santiago Bernabeu to keep Los Blancos in the mix for a top-two finish.

With Barcelona poised to claim the league crown imminently, Carlo Ancelotti's priorities have long since shifted to mounting a successful defence of their Champions League crown.

But he will nevertheless be happy to ensure they maintain some unbeaten momentum after seeing off Jose Bordalas' struggling visitors.

With a much-rotated side fielded in deference to Wednesday's impending European crunch clash with Manchester City, Madrid shaded a lacklustre first half between the two.

Asensio missed an opportunity after tapping a soft finish straight to keeper David Soria off Aurelien Tchouameni's smart delivery, while Dani Ceballos was wildly off-target just beyond the half-hour mark.

Getafe themselves struggled to press their hosts for an opener of their own, and were mostly limited to a flurry of half-chances for Juan Iglesias that were ably dealt with in the opening quarter-hour.

That overall lack of quality saw Ancelotti introduce a slew of first-team regulars after the break, with Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric both brought on.

But it was Asensio who finally won it after he struck from distance, with a handy deflection helping his effort squirm beneath Soria and in at the right post.

Vinicius saw a late breakaway chalked off for offside, yet Madrid were untroubled across the closing stages, securing three points with little fuss.

Xavi bemoaned the state of the Coliseum Alfonso Perez pitch after Sergi Roberto was injured in Barcelona's goalless LaLiga draw at Getafe on Sunday.

The misfiring Blaugrana were held at relegation-threatened Getafe after failing to score for a third consecutive game.

Barcelona remain well on course to win the title, leading Real Madrid by 11 points with nine games to play, but were left to rue their lack of a cutting edge once again.

Sergi Roberto was replaced by Eric Garcia early on due to a hamstring injury and Xavi put that down to the playing surface.

The head coach said, according to Marca: "The state of the grass has affected us. Yesterday we trained with a dry field. I have been criticised a lot for the issue of the surface. Today the whole world has seen it.

"It is very difficult to play like this, it is bad for the show. The ball gets stuck, it's bad even for Getafe. It's essential that it be in good condition."

Xavi added: "It's no excuse and we have to recover our sensations.

"We take a point that makes it not bad at all because of how uncomfortable we have been."

Regarding the injury, Xavi said: "Sergi noticed something in the hamstring. Let's see tomorrow. Let it be for a short time, whether or not there is an injury."

The leaders face third-placed Atletico Madrid next Sunday and Xavi warned they must not let their standards slip.

"I think we're having a good season in the league, but we mustn't fall asleep. Very important games are coming up," Xavi said.

"We tried to get the full-backs to go inside. We tried, we didn't have the best game, it's clear. We gave everything and we got a point that isn't entirely bad, but we're not satisfied.

"I hope that next week we can get two or three players back. It's not an excuse, we have a good squad, I'm satisfied. From there, minimise injuries and get people back. We'll plan for next season and see what happens."

Barcelona misfired once again as the LaLiga leaders were held to a goalless draw at Getafe on Sunday.

The Blaugrana failed to score in a third consecutive game in all competitions, although they remain well on course for the title with an 11-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid.

Raphinha and Alejandro Balde hit the woodwork in the first half of a frustrating game for toothless Barca at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Battling Getafe were good value for a hard-earned point in their battle to avoid relegation.

Getafe posed questions of the Barca defence early on, and former Camp Nou forward Munir El Haddadi headed just wide before Sergi Roberto was replaced by Eric Garcia due to a hamstring injury.

The Blaugrana had another let-off when Enes Unal rose to meet a corner but headed over the crossbar from close range, and Getafe were almost behind moments later, having been caught out by a long ball down the middle.

Raphinha raced clear after the ball bounced over the top of the Getafe defence, and after the winger's effort struck the post, Balde followed up to hit the same upright.

Barca raised the tempo after the break, and Robert Lewandowski was narrowly off target when he met Jordi Alba's whipped cross with a glancing header.

Raphinha bent a free-kick from long range over the crossbar, and with Getafe doing a good job of containing the leaders, Xavi sent on Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres midway through the second half.

David Soria produced a brilliant save diving to his left to keep out a rasping drive from Raphinha, and Gavi fired wide, yet Borja Mayoral should have snatched all three points at the other end when he drilled wide late on.

Gavi has everything he needs at Barcelona and would not be happy at another club, according to Xavi.

The Spain international's future is uncertain due to Barcelona's financial situation, with a new contract at Camp Nou unable to be registered.

As a result, Gavi remains a youth player at the club and will be able to leave at the end of the season if the situation cannot be resolved, reportedly alerting a number of clubs in Europe.

Chelsea and Bayern Munich have both been attributed with an interest in signing the teenager, with the former reportedly prepared to make him one of the Premier League's best-paid players.

However, Xavi still believes his future is in Catalonia and questioned why he would want to leave.

"I don't think Gavi would be happy at another club, he has everything here," he told a pre-match press conference.

"He's 18-years-old, he's a key player in our team. For me, he is a footballer who is outstanding.

"I don't know what he is going to decide but, for me, his future is here at the club."

Barcelona may hold a commanding edge over their LaLiga rivals, but Xavi is taking nothing for granted.

The Blaugrana are playing after Real Madrid visit Cadiz, where Los Blancos can cut Barca's lead at the summit to 10 points, on Saturday.

Barca can restore a 13-point lead against Getafe on Sunday, with Xavi's men firmly on course to win LaLiga for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

With Madrid likely to focus their attention on the Copa del Rey final and their Champions League campaign, it would take a remarkable turn of events for Barca to lose their grip on the crown.

But Xavi is adamant that the hard work is not done and his side need to remain focused heading into the run-in.

"For us the difficult thing is to win games and tomorrow will be another test. They are playing against relegation and are risking their lives," he told a press conference.

"We are in a privileged situation, which I would have taken at the beginning of the season, but there is the final rush of the league, and we need to win many games to win this title.

"We have an important advantage, and these next three-to-four games are key. If we win them, we will be almost champions, but we are focused on tomorrow.

"We compete against very strong opponents. Being where we are in LaLiga has a lot of merit. We want to win this competition against Madrid and Atletico."

Jakub Jankto has come out as gay, becoming the first LaLiga player to do so.

The Czech Republic international is on loan at Sparta Prague from parent club Getafe.

Jankto posted a video on Twitter on Monday where he made the announcement, with a caption at the end stating: "This is not an entertainment. The purpose of this video is to encourage others."

"I am Jakub Jankto and like everybody else, I have my strengths and I have my weaknesses," the 27-year-old said.

"I have a family and I have my friends. I have a job which I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, professionalism and passion.

"Like everybody else I also want to live my life in freedom, without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.

"I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself."

Jankto has 45 caps for the Czech Republic, including making five appearances at Euro 2020.

The former Udinese and Sampdoria midfielder joined Getafe in August 2021, before returning to his native country in a loan deal with Sparta at the start of this season, where he has one goal in 10 Czech First League appearances.

Jankto is the latest professional footballer to come out as gay following Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo in 2021 and Blackpool youngster Jake Daniels last year.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was described as Barcelona's "life insurance" as the German goalkeeper came to the rescue against Getafe.

Pedri's goal in the 35th minute was enough for Barcelona as they ground out a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou, preserving their three-point cushion over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

Ter Stegen, a sturdy presence throughout, saved brilliantly from Borja Mayoral six minutes after the goal, standing up to the Getafe man and making himself big after Pedri almost undid his earlier good work with a dreadful backpass.

Grateful defender Eric Garcia said: "Marc is life insurance with us. Everything he brings us with his footwork and then his saves, he has shown it again. He is very important for us."

Germany international Ter Stegen said the points were "worth gold" after what he recognised was a sloppy performance from Barcelona, a week on from winning the Supercopa de Espana.

The hosts were without Robert Lewandowski due to the striker's suspension, and it showed, with Ansu Fati not posing the same threat and struggling to impress himself on the game.

Ter Stegen, with 13 clean sheets in 17 LaLiga games this season, said: "What I try to do is always be in the game. I was being attentive and at the right moment I was able to get closer and make it a little more difficult for them."

Quoted in Mundo Deportivo, he said: "I try to give 100 per cent, for myself and for the team. Victories like today's make us stronger.

"It's true that we had opportunities to close the game and we didn't. So you have to suffer until the end.

"Perhaps in some victories you have to suffer, but when we're 2-0 it always benefits you, and you finish the game earlier."