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MADRID. — A well-rested Barcelona look to take another step closer to the Spanish soccer title when struggling Getafe visit the Camp Nou today looking like cannon fodder for the rampant European champions. Barca haven’t lost in a Spanish record 36 games to open up an eight-point lead over Atletico Madrid in the title race with just 10 games remaining. Moreover, Luis Enrique’s men have combined that run with a gruelling schedule and will start today having enjoyed their first free midweek since December.

Barca will therefore be close to full strength with Neymar returning after he made the most of his suspension for last weekend’s 4-0 win at Eibar to return home to Brazil to celebrate his sister’s birthday.

Javier Mascherano is banned, so Jeremy Mathieu or Thomas Vermaelen should be handed a rare start in central defence. — AFP.