Ambitious Atlético await Villarreal

Club Atlético de Madrid coach Javier Aguirre insists his team are "getting stronger by the day" as they prepare to welcome Villarreal CF on Sunday.

Serious motivation
Some of the sting in the battle between the Primera División's fourth and third-placed clubs has been removed following injury to Diego Forlán – who left Villarreal for Atlético in June – but with one point separating the sides, they will not lack motivation.

Striking problems
Forlán suffered a thigh injury in Wednesday's 4-3 win against Sevilla FC, leaving Aguirre with a striking problem. Mista is also nursing a thigh injury while 19-year-old Argentina forward Agüero – who scored his sixth goal of the season against Sevilla – faces a late test on a thigh problem. That apart, Atlético have cause for confidence, as their Mexican coach admits: "There's a long season ahead but the team are getting stronger by the day. Nevertheless it would be irresponsible to set the bells ringing because there are still 28 league games to go. Our next challenge is Villarreal and we will play our best eleven."

'Better for us'
Forlán's absence is not being greeted with too much rejoicing at Villarreal, where he was Spain's 25-goal top scorer in 2004/05. "Although it's much better for us if Diego Forlán doesn't play," said goalkeeper Sebastián Viera, "I'm sorry to hear he's injured. Still, it's a relief he won't be there on Sunday. But it will be a tough match because they are direct rivals in the league." Midfielder Marcos Senna added: "It won't be as easy as our [3-0] midweek victory against [UD] Levante because Atlético are on a good run. Our goal is to perform well and hopefully win."