Barcelona falter again at Getafe

MADRID, Spain -- Barcelona slumped to a 2-0 Primera Liga defeat at mid-table Getafe and remained a point behind leaders Real Madrid, who can stretch the gap by winning at home to Mallorca on Sunday.

Michael Laudrup, who helped Barcelona to win the European Cup 15 years ago, is now in charge at Getafe and had the satisfaction of guiding his team to their first ever league victory over his former club.

Manu del Moral put Getafe ahead after 27 minutes and Juan Albin grabbed the second in the final minute.

Barcelona had been reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Gianluca Zambrotta's wild challenge earned a red card.

Valencia's new coach Ronald Koeman, a Barcelona old boy, enjoyed his first league match in charge with his club running out 3-0 winners over Murcia.

Ivan Helguera opened the scoring before Spanish international David Villa, returning after a spell on the sidelines, stole the show with goals either side of halftime.

Valencia are now level on points with Barcelona who have won just once on their travels this season leaving coach Frank Rijkaard concerned.

"I think we tried to play football our way but once again it didn't work and it is my job to find a solution to collect points away from home," Rijkaard explained.

"I have to think of something different for the away games. It could involve a change of system.

"We did not create many chances and the fact that Uche had more shots than our entire team proves that something didn't work," the Dutchman said.

"However there is a long way to go in the league and a lot of factors come into play - but obviously if you want to achieve something you must collect points on your travels and so far we have failed to do this."

Getafe's success will have pleased their previous coach Schuster, now in charge of Real Madrid, who can pull away from their old rivals on Sunday.

Barcelona went into the match looking to avenge last season's cup semifinal defeat when, after winning 5-2 in the first leg Barcelona lost the return 4-0 .

After wins against Real Betis and Rangers and the return to form of Brazilian Ronaldinho, scorer of three goals in his last two league outings, there was every reason for Barca to be confident.

There were few early chances and Thierry Henry had the first real opening from Andres Iniesta's 23rd minute pass but his side-footed effort was blocked.

Four minutes later Getafe went in front with Manu's half-hit half-volley from close range after Barca failed to defend a set-piece.

Frank Rijkaard replaced Lilian Thuram with Italian full back Zambrotta for the second period as Carles Puyol reverted to the center of defense.

Getafe stood firm and as Barcelona's frustration grew Zambrotta produced a ferocious two-footed challenge five minutes from time and was issued his marching orders.

Albin scored Getafe's second in the final minute. E-mail to a friend