Spain set to assure 2016 finals place, but how will fans treat Pique?

The Spanish national team will assure their place in next summer's European Championships in France if they are able to defeat Luxembourg on Friday.

The reigning European champions should have few problems in beating a side which is much weaker than they are and Friday night's game in Logrono should end with celebrations.

However, the run up to the game is being held in an uncomfortable atmosphere as the Spanish Football Federation is keen to avoid a repeat of the boos and whistles which were directed at FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique in a recent game the Spanish national side played in Oviedo.

Pique, who has the virtue of being a footballer who says what he thinks, said he was in favor of a referendum on Catalan independence, and although he did not say how he would vote in such an election, that has been enough (although with some provocative headlines in the Madrid press) to earn him the censure of some fans.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque criticized the boos, while on Wednesday, his team-mates Nolito and Xabi Etxeita, highlighted that Pique has always given everything for the Spain team and was vital in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship successes.

Pique will almost certainly start in Logrono, with Etxeita a possible debutant as a result of Sergio Ramos' shoulder injury.

Although Luxembourg should not offer too much resistance, Del Bosque is anxious to avoid leaving qualification until Tuesday's tougher match against Ukraine and Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer could start in attack, with Santi Cazorla in central midfield.

There will be a full house in Logrono, but whether the party starts early or at the final whistle is down to the attitude of the supporters towards a player who according to Etxeita "deserves applause in every ground he plays in." Endit