The front page of Monday’s AS shouts out ‘GUAITA RELAUNCHES LA LIGA’, with the Getafe goalkeeper stopping all Barcelona’s efforts and securing a 0-0 draw for his team.
That gives some hope, however minor, to Atletico Madrid and others chasing Barca.
Another Spanish newspaper, Marca, goes with a headline saying ‘The leaders collide with Guaita’, and it’s clear the soon to be Crystal Palace goalkeeper had a very good Sunday.
Marca say ‘the hands of a great goalkeeper’ saved Getafe in the match, he was ‘decisive’ and denied Luis Suarez on more than one occasion. Lionel Messi balls were also snatched out of the air by ‘excellent’ Guaita and it’s pointed out he also helped launch attacks, giving a break to his defence.
Just to get their point home, Marca end their article with: ‘The hero was Guaita, splendid in that game.’
Getafe refused to sell Guaita to Crystal Palace during the January transfer window because they felt the offers were too low. With the player’s contract expiring in June, he’s been able to agree a deal with Palace, something Roy Hodgson has already confirmed as happening.
Crystal Palace have long had a question mark over their goalkeeping situation, with Wayne Hennessey again failing to convince at the weekend.
That Guaita is secured, and that he’s continuing to play well is great news for Crystal Palace. The 31 year old showed for Getafe at the weekend that goalkeepers are really a rather important part of a team, something perhaps forgotten at Palace in recent years.
