Barcelona 5-2 Getafe: 5 talking points as Lionel Messi inspires Blaugrana to victory | La Liga 2020-21 

#3 Ronald Koeman shows his mean streak

The Barcelona manager showed his other side against Getafe

Barcelona have hit a gold mine with a three-man defense in recent months and once again lined up in this system against Getafe.

Having been in cruise control for most of the game, Unal's second-half penalty put some moments of panic in the hosts, and a previously comfortable lead suddenly became shaky.

With this in mind, Ronald Koeman was far from pleased that Oscar Mingueza was so high up the field at a time when Barcelona were under threat of being caught out by the visitors.

The compactness of a three-man defense lies in the center-backs maintaining defensive solidity at all periods, and the Barcelona manager berated the young defender for his lack of awareness.

A two-minute furor followed and in rather shocking scenes, Koeman signaled to the bench, with Samuel Umtiti coming on for Mingueza.

The harsh realities of elite football mean that players must adapt to the tactical demands of their managers. However, Koeman's decision to haul off Mingueza for his momentary lapse in concentration might be considered a tad harsh.

#2 Getafe's defeat leaves them staring down the barrels of relegation

Getafe are in danger of relegation

Getafe have made steady gains under the management of Jose Bordalas and narrowly missed out on European qualification last season.

However, it has been a different story for the club this term. Despite posting notable results against the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Getafe still find themselves in danger of relegation.

With six games to go, they sit in the 15th spot, with just four points separating them from the dropzone.

An unlikely point against Barcelona would have massively boosted their chances of survival, but a failure to do so leaves them in danger of being relegated.

This sets up their relegation six-pointer against Huesca on Sunday as a must-win for both sides.

#1 Lionel Messi proved to be the difference-maker for Barcelona yet again

Lionel Messi starred with a brace and assist

Lionel Messi starred with a brace in the 4-0 rout of Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final and followed that up by playing a key role in another victory for Barcelona.

The Rosario native had a hand in all of Barcelona's first four goals, scoring a brace in the first half as well as pressuring Sofian Chakla to turn into his own net.

Messi continued his starring role in the second half by providing an assist for Araujo's goal and passing on the opportunity for his hat-trick by selflessly allowing Griezmann to take the injury-time penalty.

His brace takes him to 25 league goals, and he is odds-on for an eighth Pichichi award. More importantly, it keeps his club in the hunt for a second trophy of the campaign.