FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.02.2008 13:57

Barça to be wary of Forlán and Agüero

Berta Brau

Atlético de Madrid are not enjoying their best form of the season, but can count on one of the most impressive striking partnerships in the league in Diego Forlán and Sergio Agüero.

Despite the last few games not going their way, los Colchoneros will still provide a stern test for Frank Rijkaard's side on Saturday. Atleti were beaten at Osasuna, 3-1, last weekend after losing 2-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao in the previous league outing. The team are still vying for a Champions League place and can always rely on their forwards for goals.

Great pairing

Atlético have scored the fifth most goals in the top flight with a total of 40, wit 27 of those coming at their Vicente Calderón home. That scoring record has meant that Atlético have had a consistent run until late and moved their way into fourth place in the league.

The partnership of Forlán and Agüero is one of the key reasons for the club's successful push for a European place this term. The duo have scored ten goals each and have therefore netted exactly half of the team's goals.

Midfield effort

Aguirre can also count on goals coming from midfield as Maxi Rodríguez has five to his name this term, while Raúl García and Simão have three each.

Goal difference

At the other end, Javier Aguirre's side have conceded 28 goals, 18 of which have come at home. They have conceded the sixth least number of goals of any side in la Primera. That statistic gives the team a goal difference of plus 12.