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Spain: Atletico's aspirations soar after victory over Barcelona [Tue Sep 20th, 2005]
Madrid (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid's long-suffering fans are beginning to believe they have the team and coach to bring them success this season, following a spirited 2-1 win over champions Barcelona.
The club brought in former Boca Juniors boss Carlos Bianchi in June and signed some exciting offensive players, such as Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov, to set optimism levels soaring.
A goalless draw against Real Zaragoza and a last-minute 1-0 defeat to Deportivo La Coruna looked set to derail the process, but Bianchi said the players never doubted themselves.
"I haven't changed anything from the previous games. The attitude was always there, this time every player played to his full potential," Bianchi said.
"It was an evenly balanced game and we showed that we can more than match the Spanish champions. Without going over the top we want to achieve a high standard and be among the best in the league."
Atletico fell behind to Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o's goal after six minutes, but levelled the score through Spain striker Fernando Torres soon after.
Serbia & Montenegro forward Mateja Kezman put Atletico ahead early in the second half and they held on for the win despite the dismissal of defender Pablo Ibanez 23 minutes from time.
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said Atletico had been the better side.
"We played well in the first half but when they went ahead early in the second half it was a big blow. It was only after they lost a player that we looked like equalising," he said.
"They have proved they are capable of being near the top all season."
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