Alves stunner helps Barca to 2-1 win over Getafe

Posted Sunday, March 20, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

MADRID, March 19 (Reuters) - Daniel Alves struck a stunning goal to set Barcelona on their way to a 2-1 win at home to Getafe on Saturday that stretched the champions’ lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to eight points.

A headed clearance looped into the Brazilian defender’s path in the 17th minute at the Nou Camp and he caught the falling ball perfectly on the half-volley to send it fizzing past Getafe keeper Jordi Codina from 25 metres.

Striker Bojan Krkic added a second with a deflected shot five minutes after halftime before Manu del Moral grabbed a consolation goal in the 88th minute for the visitors.

Barca have 78 points from 29 matches. Real, who have 70 from 28, can trim the gap back to five points with a win at city rivals Atletico in Saturday’s late game (2100 GMT).

In the earlier kickoff, Jonathan de Guzman lashed in a freekick to give Real Mallorca a 1-0 home win over 10-man Real Zaragoza and lift Michael Laudrup’s side to ninth on 38 points.

Zaragoza, who are only four points above the relegation places, had goalkeeper Toni Doblas sent off in the 64th minute for handling the ball outside his area.

They almost snatched a point when Braulio curled a shot onto the crossbar in the second minute of added time.