adminMADRID. — Spanish soccer giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid look to extend their club record starts to the season when they host Valladolid and Celta Vigo respectively this weekend.
Both sides have won all seven of their league matches to date and could set a new Spanish record should they make it eight out of eight.
The Catalans have the chance to open up a three-point gap at the top of the table as they play first tonight.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s men continued their fine start to life under the Argentine by also making it two wins from two in the Champions League in midweek with a hard-fought 1-0 success over 10-man Celtic.
Young defender Marc Bartra particularly impressed in Glasgow as he continues to deputise for the injured Javier Mascherano and he is thankful for the confidence Martino has showed in him.
“Tata has not doubted for a second in putting me into the team. I am satisfied with the confidence he has shown in me,” he told a press conference on Thursday.
“Little by little I am feeling more wanted. I have had two years competing with some of the best players in the world in training and learning from them.
“I have keep concentrating and learning.”
The champions will have to do without World Player of the Year Lionel Messi as he is sidelined with a thigh injury. Mascherano and Jordi Alba are also unavailable through injury, but Barca’s defence could receive a significant boost with the return of captain Carles Puyol to the squad for Saturday’s match.
The 35-year-old hasn’t played since undergoing knee surgery in March but has trained with his teammates in recent weeks and could make a return in the week that marked 14 years since his debut. — AFP.
Online Reporter