It is a game that pits two of the most exciting talents in the world against each other. Lionel Messi and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero are the future of football, they are the heir apparents to the great Diego Maradona, and on Saturday, they are up against each other.
Messi’s Barcelona host Atletico Madrid in a match the hosts must win to relieve the pall of gloom that has engulfed the Camp Nou since Pep Guardiola took over as manager.
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 over the weekend.
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 the Spanish league the capital club have lost twice 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.
{{/usCountry}}“It is another big game at the weekend (against Barcelona) and we will go there to win,” said Atletico coach Javier Aguirre.
{{/usCountry}}With both teams distinctly off colour, the onus will be on both Argentinians prodigies to light up the stage and bring their teams the three points.
Real Madrid are third after grinding out four successive league wins and the champions host Espanyol on Sunday.
Unbeaten Valencia lead the way with 13 points and face Valladolid on Sunday.