TEAM NEWS: Messi left out of the starting line-up as Barcelona face Getafe

Sep 15, 2012 6:14:00 PM

The Argentine is named as a substitute for the Catalan side as last season's runners-up travel to the Spanish capital

Tito Vilanova has opted to leave Lionel Messi on the bench for Barcelona’s Primera Division away trip to face Getafe.

The 25-year-old has been away on international duty with Argentina for the past 10 days or so, and has been given a rest, with Cesc Fabregas, Cristian Tello and Pedro set to start in attack for the Blaugrana.

There is also a high-profile omission in defence, with Dani Alves not making the starting line-up, with youngster Martin Montoya stepping in. Of course, like Messi, Alves has been on international duty in South America this week. Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Thiago, making his first start of the season, make up the midfield trio.

Luis Garcia Plaza has named an ambitious starting XI for the match against Barcelona. Adrian Colunga will start as the lone striker but expect Diego Castro, Pedro Leon and Abdelaziz Barrada to provide plenty of support in attack. Xavi Torres and Michel continue their partnership in the centre of midfield.

Getafe (4-2-3-1): Moya; Valera, Alexis, Abraham, Miguel Torres; Míchel, Xavi Torres; Barrada, Diego Castro, Pedro Leon; Colunga

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Adriano; Xavi, Busquets, Thiago; Pedro, Cesc, Tello

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