TSEPO Masilela is hoping for a second chance to make an impact on Spain's top two clubs when his Getafe side go up against European champions Barcelona tonight.

The Bafana Bafana fullback got a personal handshake from rival coach Jose Mourinho after his club's game against Real Madrid in early February.

Masilela, 26, had hobbled through the last 10 minutes of the game in obvious pain after pulling a muscle but could not be taken off because his side had already made all their changes. Instead he gallantly tried to contribute, shifting forward into an attacking position while his role at fullback was taken by a fit teammate.

The injury has led to a lay-off that has not seen him play for his club since the game against Real on February 4, though he did take part in one half of the Bafana Bafana friendly against Senegal in Durban at the end of February.

It means his chances of a run-out at the Camp Nou are limited, though any lingering niggles can easily be persuaded away by the prospect of being able to line up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta.

Masilela, whose career has been blighted by injury, missed his side's 1-0 win at home against Barcelona in late November but has played a full 90 minutes against Real twice since his move last July from Israel. Getafe are 10th in the Spanish league standings while Barca are second, four points behind Real with seven rounds to play.