Goals from Leo Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez saw Barcelona to a 3-1 win away to a Getafe side that only sprang to life in the last 20 minutes of their match in the Alfonso Perez Coliseum on Sunday.

Barcelona produced a spectacular first 45 minutes football, but after Pedro put them 3-0 up in the second half, they were forced to hold on for their win when Manu del Moral scored a penalty committed by Gerard Pique, who was sent off.

Barcelona started with Javier Mascherano in midfield as coach Pep Guardiola rested Sergio Busquets, while Xavi Hernandez was also in the side despite his Achilles tendon problems.

Getafe meanwhile were without top scorer Adrian Colunga.

The home side forced two corners in the opening two minutes, but were then forced to watch as Barcelona handed out a football master-class.

Villa missed a chance after 4 minutes as his side totally controlled the game, creating a host of chances.

Getafe goalkeeper Codina was his side's best player, saving well from Villa and Pedro, but could do nothing to prevent Leo Messi opening the scoring after 22 minutes.

Villa put a smart pass through the Getafe defense and Messi beat Codina on the near post to score his eighth goal of the season.

The goal changed nothing in a half where Barca enjoyed 76 percent of the possession and had two goals correctly ruled out for narrow offside decisions before Villa scored his side's second goal after 34 minutes.

This time it was Messi's turn to become the provider and Villa beat Codina with a low drive that left the keeper helpless.

Pedro made it 3-0 after 65 minutes as Messi robbed Cata Diez on the edge of the Getafe area and it looked as if Barcelona had the points in the bag.

However, Pique was sent off for a second yellow card after committing a penalty for handball and Manu scored the resulting penalty with 20 minutes remaining.

Barca were suffering but Boetang's sending off leveled things off and had it not been for Codina they would have won by a greater margin.

Goals from Leo Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez saw Barcelona to a 3-1 win away to a Getafe side that only sprang to life in the last 20 minutes of their match in the Alfonso Perez Coliseum on Sunday.

Barcelona produced a spectacular first 45 minutes football, but after Pedro put them 3-0 up in the second half, they were forced to hold on for their win when Manu del Moral scored a penalty committed by Gerard Pique, who was sent off.

Barcelona started with Javier Mascherano in midfield as coach Pep Guardiola rested Sergio Busquets, while Xavi Hernandez was also in the side despite his Achilles tendon problems.

Getafe meanwhile were without top scorer Adrian Colunga.

The home side forced two corners in the opening two minutes, but were then forced to watch as Barcelona handed out a football master-class.

Villa missed a chance after 4 minutes as his side totally controlled the game, creating a host of chances.

Getafe goalkeeper Codina was his side's best player, saving well from Villa and Pedro, but could do nothing to prevent Leo Messi opening the scoring after 22 minutes.

Villa put a smart pass through the Getafe defense and Messi beat Codina on the near post to score his eighth goal of the season.

The goal changed nothing in a half where Barca enjoyed 76 percent of the possession and had two goals correctly ruled out for narrow offside decisions before Villa scored his side's second goal after 34 minutes.

This time it was Messi's turn to become the provider and Villa beat Codina with a low drive that left the keeper helpless.

Pedro made it 3-0 after 65 minutes as Messi robbed Cata Diez on the edge of the Getafe area and it looked as if Barcelona had the points in the bag.

However, Pique was sent off for a second yellow card after committing a penalty for handball and Manu scored the resulting penalty with 20 minutes remaining.

Barca were suffering but Boetang's sending off leveled things off and had it not been for Codina they would have won by a greater margin.