Barcelona host title rivals Atletico Madrid today, 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 last weekend.
Messi then came off the substitutes bench to score twice (in the 87th minute and the 90th minute) 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 scorelines 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,” he said.
It has been far from plain sailing for new coach Guardiola but Barca are only 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 they have lost twice in the Spanish league 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 tomorrow.
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.
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.
“It is going to be a tough match,” said Drenthe. “Last season they beat us at their stadium and then we won at home but it was hard work. They are a great team and have great players like Raul Tamudo.”
Unbeaten Valencia lead the way with 13 points from 15, edging Villarreal on goal difference, and defend top spot at Valladolid tomorrow.
Valencia coach Unai Emery has been lapping up the plaudits for reversing the team’s fortunes with winger Joaquin saying he is much better than predecessor Ronald Koeman.
While Emery deserves credit for his work, David Villa has also been hugely influential scoring six goals in five matches.
Villarreal have also yet to taste defeat and lie behind Valencia on goal difference heading into today’s home match with Real Betis. Villarreal come up against a Betis team still searching for their first win.
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