JOIN USBarcelona's Champions League recovery has begun and Getafe's hopes of qualifying for the tournament could be over after they were beaten 2-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Arturo Vidal's finish and a Djene Dakonam own-goal saw Barca bounce back from their capitulation against Liverpool, even if their fans had not forgotten judging by the swathes of empty seats and scattering of whistles before kick-off.
"It has been a difficult game for all of us," said Sergio Busquets. "We are trying to heal a wound that isn't small."
Getafe might have hoped for their opponents to suffer a longer European hangover but instead they drop out of the top four, with one match left to play, after Valencia eased to a 3-1 victory over Alaves.
"We lost but I'm proud," said Getafe coach Jose Bordalas. "We have to win our last game and then we'll see." Valencia now sit fourth, level on points with Getafe, but in front due to their superior head-to-head. They finish the season away at struggling Real Valladolid while Getafe are at home to Villarreal.
Barcelona's victory means they stretch their lead at the top of the table to 11 points over Atletico Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla, and 18 ahead of Real, who lost 3-1 to Real Sociedad after Jesus Vallejo was sent off.
If they beat Valencia in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 25, Barca will claim a second domestic double in as many years but even that will not make amends for the collapse at Anfield.
Real Madrid's revival from their own Champions League exit is yet to materialise as Zinedine Zidane's side slipped to their second defeat in three games.
"It's a shame because we played well," said Zidane. "Even with ten men we created chances." It is also now only three wins from eight for Madrid, who took the lead thanks to a brilliant individual goal from Brahim Diaz, the former Manchester City winger finishing after a mesmeric, weaving run.
But Mikel Merino equalised after a silky backheel from Willian Jose and Madrid defender Vallejo was sent off before half-time for saving a shot with his hand.
Thibaut Courtois parried away Willian's penalty but La Real capitalised on their extra man as Joseba Zaldua headed in at the back post before Ander Barrenetxea drove in.
Madrid' defeat confirms Atletico as the highest-placed club in the Spanish capital for a second consecutive year as the Wanda Metropolitano waved goodbye to their captain Diego Godin.