Guardiola targets lead before break

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists overtaking Real Madrid before the Christmas break is "an essential objective". Barça are currently second in La Liga, three points behind their main rivals, and Guardiola wants to be top of the table before the three-week break. "It is an essential objective," Guardiola told AS. "We know that we have been losing a few points but the goal is to maintain our level and be close. The final classification is the result of what you do to your opponents." Barça travel to Getafe this weekend in search of crucial points, but Guardiola is aware the win is not a certainty. "Getafe are a dangerous team, designed to be in the middle of the table," he said. "We must pay close attention to details and not allow ourselves to lose points along the way. "In this league everything is vital. We respect every opponent. All teams have strengths, some more than others, and if we are not at their level, we can lose points." Guardiola also hit back at criticism following his decision to only play three in defence during the 3-2 UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan in midweek. "We have never lost playing with three defenders," he said. "We shot 13 or 14 times on target and we played well. We could have played better at the San Siro, but I'm glad how we performed. I am satisfied with what the team did, whether people liked our game plan or not."