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Spain: Valencia to follow Atletico example against Barcelona [Tue Sep 20th, 2005]
Madrid (Reuters) - Valencia striker Patrick Kluivert believes his side can take a leaf out of Atletico Madrid's book and beat his former club Barcelona when the two teams meet at the Nou Camp.
"It is clear that Barcelona are going to be very tough opponents, but Atletico showed they can be beaten," said the Dutchman.
"It is already clear that there are more teams in this league than Real Madrid and Barcelona and this season there is going to be a lot more competition."
Atletico came from a goal down to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the Spanish champions when they beat Barca 2-1 at the Calderon on Sunday.
Valencia, who are only one of four teams left in the Primera Liga not to have lost after three matches of the season, drew 2-2 at home to a rejuvenated Deportivo Coruna.
Kluivert, who joined Valencia from Newcastle United at the start of the season but has not yet won a place in the starting line-up, said he was desperate to lead the Valencia front line against his old club.
"For me this is a very special match and I'd feel awful if I missed it as I was at Barcelona for six years and the club will always have a place in my heart. I'm keen to play in front of the fans again and see my old team-mates.
"If I score against them I won't celebrate the goal. I don't think that would be fair," said the 29-year-old.
CONTRACT EXTENSION
Barca responded to their first defeat of the season at Atletico by announcing an extension to Frank Rijkaard's contract as coach.
The Dutchman, who has signed until 2009, said he was grateful for the confidence the club has shown in him but was conscious that the team cannot rest on its laurels.
"This was just a signature," he said. "What really counts is that we work hard and continue to play good football."
In one of Wednesday's other stand-out matches surprise league leaders Getafe will be given an ecstatic welcome from their fans when they host Real Mallorca at the Coliseum.
"I'm going to frame this week's league table and have it hung in my office," said Getafe president Angel Torres after his side clinched the leadership of the Primera Liga for the first time in their history with a 4-3 win at Alaves.
Deportivo, who are level on seven points with Getafe, host Real Betis and Atletico will aim to avoid their traditional habit of following a heroic win with a dismal defeat when they travel to beleaguered Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid, who lost a third match in the space of eight days when they went down 1-0 at Espanyol, do not play until Thursday when they entertain Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu.
Real are expected to announce their intention to ask for the nullification of their defeat against the Catalans, because they say they heard the referee blew his whistle before Espanyol scored the winning goal.
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