By Duncan Shaw,DPA,
Madrid : The last thing that troubled Atletico Madrid need now is a game away to European champions Barcelona, but that is what awaits them Saturday.
Atletico will make the trip in the worst possible circumstances, with an institutional crisis growing and with Abel Resino’s ill-balanced side low on confidence.
In addition, the striking tandem of Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero – just about their only effective weapon last season – is in poor form and shape.
Club president Enrique Cerezo is under massive pressure to resign, and to take technical secretary Jesus Garcia Pitarch with him.
Colombian defender Luis Perea admitted on Wednesday that the institutional situation was starting to affect the players.
“I would be lying if I said it didn’t affect us,” he said. “Of course we are worried, but it is we the players that have the responsibility to change this situation.”
Perea said that “it will be really hard for us to win in Barcelona, but not impossible.”
Atletico, who have just one point from their first two Liga matches, will be hoping to find Barca tired after their sterile Champions League exertions against Inter Milan Wednesday.
Fit-again Andres Iniesta will probably start for Barca after being on the subs’ bench for two matches, maybe in place of Thierry Henry, who looked sluggish in the 0-0 draw in Milan.
Barca have won their first two games and are joint top with Real Madrid, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao.
Also on Saturday, Sevilla, who beat Unirea Urziceni 2-0 in their Champions League debut on Wednesday, are away to Osasuna. Malaga take on Racing Santander, Mallorca face Tenerife and Deportivo Coruna play hosts to Espanyol.
The big game on Sunday sees Real Madrid at home to tiny Xerez.
This is Xerez’ first ever season in the top flight and they are already shipping water, having lost both opening games without scoring a single goal.
“We know that we will have a mountain to climb in Madrid,” said goalkeeper Renan. “But you never can take anything for granted in football.”
Real will be without anchorman Xabi Alonso, who damaged his right heel in Tuesday’s spectacular 5-2 win away to Zurich, in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored two more goals.
Valencia will be at home to Sporting Gijon and Bilbao take on Valladolid. Sunday’s other games are Zaragoza vs Valladolid and Almeria vs Getafe.