Until Barcelona scored their first goal in six years at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, there was a bite and hunger about them not usually associated with away trips to Getafe.

Once Jules Kounde had poked the Catalans ahead, and given just how on top the visitors were to that point, culers could’ve been forgiven for thinking that not only was the curse going to be broken, but by how many goals.

And then, for no easily explainable reason, the rot set in. As it always seems to do in this stadium.

Jose Bordalas sets his teams up to defend with no real desire to push forward at all, save for the occasional foray.

It was during one such move that the hosts grabbed a first-half equaliser, and it was always going to be an uphill battle for Hansi Flick’s men after that.

League position is irrelevant when it comes to this fixture because Barca have proven time after time that they still can’t break down a low block – especially one as well drilled as Getafe’s.

Barca did have their chances in the second half but they were largely without any sort of conviction. Backs against the wall defending coupled with a poor final ball or lack of control ensured that the hosts held out for the point.

A point which means Barca have now taken just six from the last 24 available, and missed yet another opportunity to pull themselves closer to both of the Madrid sides above them.

Atleti surprisingly lost against Leganes, meaning Los Blancos can rule the roost if they win their fixture on Sunday against Las Palmas.

Should they do precisely that, the Blaugranes would then find themselves seven points behind top spot. Whilst not an insurmountable challenge it is likely to prove difficult, particularly when one considers Champions League and Copa del Rey commitments too.

After the high of the Spanish Super Cup win, Flick’s squad have been brought crashing straight back down to earth, and they’ve only got themselves to blame.

It’s worth pondering on why the German isn’t getting the best out of his squad in league games too. Although Barca are much better organsied under Flick, there’s an argument that results aren’t too much better than when Xavi was in charge.

Five of Barca’s next seven La Liga games are at home. They need to make that advantage count. No more excuses.