Derby day as goal-crazy Atletico face Getafe

A fierce Madrid derby is the highlight of the midweek fixtures in the Spanish first division as the league's top-scorers Atletico Madrid travel to unbeaten neighbours Getafe on Wednesday.

Atletico lie fifth after a 4-1 hammering of Recreativo Huelva at the weekend and Getafe midfielder Manu del Moral admits his team are wary of the threat posed by in-form Argentine Sergio “Kun” Aguero.

“Even though he is so young Aguero is living up to the high expectations at Atletico and we will have our work cut out to stop him and Atletico,” said Moral.

Getafe have yet to taste defeat this season and Atletico forward Florent Sinama Pongolle, joint top-scorer in the league with three goals, predicts a tough derby battle.

“The derby against Getafe is not going to be easy and then we face Sevilla at the weekend so there are tough games ahead,” explained Pongolle.

Pongolle is usually third choice but an injury to Diego Forlan has given him an opportunity to shine and he has grabbed it with both hands.

The third capital club, Real Madrid are bidding for a third successive league win when they host struggling Sporting Gijon on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real lost their opening match to Deportivo La Coruna but have responded with back to back wins to lie a point behind the quartet of leading teams.

The form of Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain has given Real coach Bernd Schuster a selection headache with captain Raul under pressure to perform.

Raul has been the player to be substituted off in recent matches and Higuain, previously used as a supersub, is fighting tooth and nail for a starting spot at his skipper's expense.

“I am really happy because for the first three matches I have been a regular in the starting line-up,” said Higuain. “It means I am performing well.”

Sporting Gijon, bottom without any points, were crushed 6-1 by Barcelona on Sunday so a trip to champions Madrid is the last thing they wanted.

After picking up their first win of the league campaign with the annihilation of Sporting, Barcelona host Real Betis on Wednesday in a fixture that has unhappy memories.

In the title run-in to last season Betis came from two goals down to defeat Barcelona 3-2 in a thrilling game that all but ended Barca's title aspirations.

New manager Pep Guardiola has called for a clean slate but admits the pressure to deliver is always there at a club of Barcelona's stature.

“If you are at a big team when you win it is seen as obligatory and when you lose it is your fault,” explained Guardiola.

Betis have yet to win this season and drew 0-0 with derby rivals Sevilla over the weekend.

Sevilla manager Manolo Jimenez rested several players against Betis and Spanish international Diego Capel – one key player rested for the crunch match – insists it is part and parcel of modern day football.

“There are lots of games and all the players have to been given an opportunity and accept the decisions of the coach,” said Capel.

Espanyol, one of four teams leading the Spanish top-flight, visit Sevilla on Wednesday looking to continue their impressive start to the season.

The summit has an unusual feel to it with Valencia, Villarreal and Almeria locked with Espanyol at the top while Real and Barca are sixth and ninth respectively.

Valencia are the official leaders courtesy of a superior goal difference and travel to second from bottom Malaga on Thursday.

“Being top is not that significant as there are various teams with seven points,” said Valencia coach Unai Emery.

“The most important thing is we are improving.”

Valencia would be well served to heed caution as they started last season brilliantly before finishing in mid-table obscurity.

Villarreal have started this campaign where they left off in the previous one and play host to Racing Santander on Wednesday aiming to pull further away from Barca and Real.

Fixtures

Wednesday – all 1800 GMT unless stated

Barcelona v Real Betis, Villarreal v Racing Santander, Osasuna v Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe v Atletico de Madrid (1900 GMT) Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon (2000 GMT), Sevilla v Espanyol (2000 GMT)

Thursday – all 1800 GMT

Malaga v Valencia, Valladolid v Almeria, Recreativo Huelva v Athletic Bilbao, Real Mallorca v Numancia