Barcelona vs Getafe preview - Barca shelve Euro bid - 7M sport

Barcelona vs Getafe preview - Barca shelve Euro bid



I have a say

Posted Saturday, March 19, 2011 by PA

Barcelona vs Getafe preview - Barca shelve Euro bid

Barcelona will put all thoughts of a possible meeting with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals to one side and instead focus on beating Getafe.

Barca were today drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk in the last eight with the winner progressing to a meeting with either Real or Tottenham.

"Right now we are not thinking about Madrid," said sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

"There is a tie between Madrid and Tottenham (before that can happen anyway) and we are not going to concern ourselves with a (possible) semi-final before we play Shakhtar."

At the top of the agenda, however, is preserving their five-point lead at the top of the Primera Division.

Barca boss Pep Guardiola will be without full-back Eric Abidal, who is likely to be out for the rest of the season after a tumour on his liver was detected earlier this week, for the clash at the Nou Camp.

Abidal underwent a successful operation but will need plenty of time to recover before he can contemplate a return to action.

In his absence, youngster Andreu Fontas has been promoted to the first team.

Meanwhile, captain Carles Puyol is making his way back from injury, but the veteran defender looks unlikely to appear against Getafe. Pedro could return, though.

Barca saw their lead over Madrid at the top of the table trimmed after last weekend's 1-1 draw at Sevilla but will expect to see off inconsistent Getafe.

The Madrid-based side could only draw 2-2 at home to Athletic Bilbao on Monday and lie eight points off the European places with 10 games left.

Getafe were one of the few sides to get any joy at the Nou Camp last season, holding Barca to a draw in that match, and midfielder Victor Sanchez, on loan from Barca, has boldly predicted his side can go one better this time.

"If we do things well and they don't have a good day, Barcelona can be beaten," he said.

Miku returns from suspension, but Derek Boateng is banned, while Rafa Lopez and Adrian Colunga are sidelined.

Keeper Oscar Ustari could return from injury, though.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.