Guardiolas defensive dilemma for Atlético clash

Pep Guardiola has some problem on his hands as he tries to piece a defence together for sundays clash against Atlético Madrid in the Vicente Calderon. Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez both received their marching orders against Getafe at the weekend, carrying with them a one-match sanction. Dani Alves, Toure Yaya (normally pushed back to the centre-back when needed) and Eric Abidal have all been ruled out through injury. So it's just as well Gabby Milito has just returned from a lengthy lay-off as Guardiolas faith in summer signing Chygrynskiy dwindles, although even the Ukranian looks set to be involved now Abidal has been sidelined. Providing talismanic captain Carlos Puyol shakes off a niggle, Barcas starting XI should look something like this:

4-3-3: Valdes; Maxwell, Chygrynskiy, Milito, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Keita; Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta

Guardiola will surely opt for added defensive weight in the middle of the park, with Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita both more than capable of shielding their back four whilst providing options in attack. The makeshift defence might have more work than usual in attempting to keep Diego Forlán and Agüero quiet, but on recent form, and even with this weakened side, you would have to predict a Barca win. That said, Atlético Madrid always seem to summon up something special for their match-ups against the Catalans at home. The white half of Madrid will be hoping thats the case come Sunday night.

La Liga Sunday Highlights: Real Zaragoza lift themselves out the relegation zone

Real Zaragoza 2 - 1 Sevilla

(1-0) 30' Contini, (1-1) 32' Kanoute, (2-1) 40' Negredo (o.g)

Sevilla clearly had their minds focused elsewhere as Real Zaragoza recorded an important win that lifted them out of the relegation zone. Manolo Jimenez rested Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas, but the Sevilla team still had enough quality to trouble a newly-assembled Zaragoza outfit. They even managed to pull level only two minutes after going behind to Continis foirst goal for his new club, but a moment of indecision from striker Alvaro Negredo saw him divert the ball past Andres Palop for what proved to be the winning goal. Real Zaragoza will be pleased with what was probably their best performance of the season so far, but they were helped by an impotent Sevilla side who clearly wanted to get the game out of the way before their cup semi-final second leg against Getafe; a game that Stankevicius and Negredo will miss through suspension having seen red tonight.

Euro 2012 Group Draw: Spain given easy ride to Ukraine and Poland

Spain were given an easy passage to the 2012 European Championship finals in Ukraine and Poland as they were drawn in one of the three smaller groups against Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania and Leichtenstein. Along with England, Spain have been drawn into one of the easier qualifying groups, with Italy, Germany, France and Portugal given tougher assignments.

Czech Republic jump out as the biggest threat in the group, but you have to remember that they didn't even manage to qualify for the World Cup. Then there's Scotland and Lithuania, who Spain should dispose of home and away, and the whipping boys from Leichtenstein who should pose no problems at all. Whilst Vicente del Bosque will be delighted with the draw, it will be brushed under the carpet for the time being as his and everyones prime focus is the World Cup this summer in South Africa, with Spain many peoples tip for glory.

The rest of the groups drawn today in Switzerland: (Ties to be played between 3rd September 2010 to 11th October 2011)

La Liga Saturday Highlights: Messi leads nine-men Barca to Getafe win

Barcelona 2 - 1 Getafe

(1-0) 5' Messi, (2-0) 66' Xavi, (2-1) 93' Soldado

Lionel Messi ran the show as Barcelona recorded an impressive win against Getafe, having played for more than 65 minutes with ten men. Messi gave Barca the lead with a cracking effort after only 5 minutes and it looked like a rout was on the cards as Barca mounted wave after wave of attacks. But then a moment of madness saw Gerard Pique sent off for a nasty challenge on Rafa, which threw the game wide open. Both teams went for the jugular, as Getafe could finally match their opponents now they were down to ten. But lead by a possessed Lionel Messi, Barca went two up when Xavi struck home just after the hour. Game over. But there was still to be some drama, as Marquez was sent off after felling Kepa, with Roberto Soldado slotting home the penalty. Guardiola didnt want to enter into any debates about the refereeing, but he'll have a few late nights as he ponders how to structure his side for their next match against Atlético Madrid without Pique, Marquez, Alves and Toure Yaya.