Barcelona saw their 27-game unbeaten streak come to an end, as Juan Valera’s 67th minute header gifted Getafe a 1-0 victory at the Coliseo Alfonso Perez in Madrid.

The defeat marks the first time Barca have lost a match since April 30th, having gone unbeaten in 21 fixtures so far this season. The loss sees them end their run just one match shy of tying the club unbeaten streak, set from September to January of last season.

And truly a gift it was, for rarely has a team done less and still been awarded three points.

Despite Barcelona holding 73% possession, taking eleven more corners and putting six times as many shots on target, the lone goal fell to Getafe; a clumsy header off one of their mere two corner kicks, marking Getafe’s only shot on target.

Whether poor execution, or perhaps a bit of witchcraft from known practitioner of the Spanish dark arts: Pepe el Brujo (famous for cursing Cristiano Ronaldo with a serious injury in 2009), chalk it up to whatever you want. This one just wasn’t in the cards.

After Madrid’s bi-annual massacre of city rivals Atletico, appropriately dubbed “Pathetico de Madrid,” the stars appeared to align against the Catalans in the Spanish capitol.

Barcelona struggled throughout the encounter to create clear scoring opportunities, often staling in the final third against an organized and compact Getafe defense.

David Villa had an early chance for Barca before Leo Messi sent a bending free kick just over the bar from 25 yards out.

The champions continued to push forward, but were too congested in their buildup, ineffectively forcing everything through the middle, rather than utilizing width. The omission of players such as: Pedro, Iniesta and Fabregas was noticeable, as the hosts repelled Barca time and time again.

Alexis Sanchez nearly put Barcelona ahead in the 36th minute after smart play from Dani Alves saw the full-back burst down the right and cut the ball back into the box, but the Chilean’s effort was parried away sublimely by the outstretched hand of Miguel Moya.

Alexis had another opportunity denied moments later, as he collected a loose ball outside the area and saw his shot ricochet off the Getafe defense for a corner.

Getafe emerged for the second half loyal to their game plan: pray to the Virgin Mary, defend with everyone, and hope to score on a set piece.

Messi saw a low effort from the edge of the box smothered by Moya, as Barcelona continued laboring to create chances.

In the 67th minute, after failing to clear a routine corner from Pablo Sarabia, Getafe set up for the defining moment of the match. Valera tracked the flight of the ball, overpowering a lackluster, one-inch vertical jump by Sergio Busquets to rise above the terrible defending of the Catalan and nod home the winner.

The goal may have come completely against the run of play, but it was legal and just. Barca were exposed for their lack of urgency throughout the match and given just 20 minutes to equalize.

Pedro was called in off the bench to inject a sense of urgency into the squad and forced Moya into a fine near-post save before wasting an optimal chance after being put in on goal by Xavi.

Sergio Busquets found time to show his dramatic side, as he beat one man on the touchline and threw himself to the ground, rather than shooting, crossing, or passing the ball to numerous targets in the box. He was awarded a yellow card for his simulation and subsequent petulance.

Messi appeared to have rescued a draw after putting the ball in the net in the final quarter hour, but his goal was chalked off for a questionable off-sides call on Keita, as the linesman’s flag went up right as Seydou squared the ball for the Argentine to tap in.

The game went down to the wire, with Barcelona storming forward in search of goal, but it was too little too late. Messi had the game in his hands in the final seconds of stoppage time, streaking in from the right and sending his effort rattling off the post. Pedro’s mishit off the rebound rolled slowly enough for Moya to make the save, as the final whistle blew and Getafe emerged the unlikely victors.

With the defeat, Barcelona have now dropped a total of eleven points in thirteen La Liga games this season (8-1-4). The defending champions will attempt to regroup for Tuesday’s fixture against newly promoted Rayo Vallecano in the Camp Nou.

With two games remaining before their December 10th trip to the Bernabeu, perhaps someone in Catalunya ought to consider calling Pepe el Brujo for a little good luck spell. Who knows? Maybe he can help deliver the magic back to Barcelona.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Getafe VS Barcelona 1-0 Highlights HD 26.11.2011 by iNfRaS0NiC