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14th October, 2008
MADRID: Barcelona host title rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday determined not to compound coach Pep Guardiola’s already frayed nerves by leaving it late to secure victory.
In their last three matches Barca have scored winning goals in the final ten minutes with Eidur Gudojohnsen scoring an 80th minute winner against Real Betis a fortnight ago while Lionel Messi scored a last minute penalty in the 2-1 derby win at Espanyol over the weekend.
Messi then came off the substitute’s bench to score twice (87min and 90min) in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Shaktar Donetsk on Wednesday that sparked wild celebrations.
“We’ve got the right approach and we would like to win by better score lines but if you play well and create chances you end up winning,” said captain Carles Puyol.
“What’s important is the way we’re playing, our enthusiasm and the effort we are putting in.”
It has been far from plain sailing for new coach Guardiola but Barca are three points behind early pacesetters Valencia without really hitting top gear.
Atletico have also driven their fans to distraction this season with their inconsistent form.
A 2-1 win over Marseille maintained their 100-percent Champions League record but in the Spanish league the capital club have lost twice although they are still only four points behind Valencia.
“It is another big game at the weekend (against Barcelona) and we will go there to win,” said Atletico coach Javier Aguirre.
Real Madrid sit a point behind Valencia in third after grinding out four successive league wins and the champions host Espanyol on Sunday.
Former player Robinho said the atmosphere in the dressing room at Manchester City was much better than at Real but if there is a problem it has not influenced things on the pitch.
A 2-1 Champions League win in the cold of Zenit St Petersburg put Real on top of their Champions League group and the champions are a force at home.
“You always lose in Madrid whenever you play well,” said Espanyol coach Bartolome Marquez. “I hope we play terrible and win. “
Espanyol, reeling from their derby defeat to Barcelona, beat Real 2-1 last season and Real’s Dutch midfielder Roysten Drenthe picked out striker Raul Tamudo, who scored in that win, as the dangerman.
Unbeaten Valencia lead the way with 13 points from 15, edging Villarreal on goal difference, and defend top spot at Valladolid on Sunday.
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