Derby triumph moves Atletico fourth

Atletico Madrid moved to within three points of leaders Valencia with a 2-0 win over derby rivals Getafe at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

An unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Jordi Codina on 37 minutes and a Diego Costa strike on 72 minutes helped Atletico move above Barcelona on goal difference into fourth.

A minute’s applause commemorated the death of Atletico icon Juan Carlos Arteche – a defender who made over 400 appearances for Atletico – who passed away at the age of 53 earlier this week.

Manu del Moral and Adrian Colunga had good openings for Getafe in the opening half hour, but it was Atletico who took the lead on 37 minutes.

Simao took advantage of a poorly-constructed wall to fire a free-kick against the post and Codina was helpless as the ball went off him back into the goal.

Portuguese forward Costa killed the game off with a 72nd minute strike as Atletico had their revenge on Getafe who beat them home and away last season.

Later on Saturday champions Barcelona host unbeaten leaders Valencia in a mouthwatering title tussle at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have been shaky at home this season with just one win and two goals from their first three matches and trail Valencia by three points.

Valencia have collected 16 points from a possible 18 to top the table and Barca coach Pep Guardiola believes they are genuine title contenders.

“Valencia have kept the same coach for two years and it does not surprise me that they are top,” Guardiola said.

“Everything that they do, they do very well. I think that they are title contenders and we will see a good game on Saturday.”

Valencia coach Unai Emery has promised not to join the collection of sides to sit back at Camp Nou and vowed to take the game to the champions.

Real Madrid are a point above Barcelona in third and travel to Malaga later on Saturday looking to build on a 6-1 thumping of Deportivo La Coruna before the untimely international break.

Real have been inconsistent on the road with two scoreless draws in their first three away games, however, coach Jose Mourinho believes his team are beginning to gel.

“We feel more and more comfortable every time we take the pitch,” said Mourinho. “Despite the matches we have drawn, which didn’t please me in the least, I am happy with how the team is performing.”

On Monday second-placed Villarreal, a point behind Valencia, travel to Hercules looking to continue their impressive start.

Brazilian international striker Nilmar has fired five goals in the first six matches and has enjoyed the reported interest from Real Madrid.

“It would be a pleasure to play there (at Real Madrid) because they are the best,” said Nilmar. “A footballer always wants more and a career passes quickly.”