With Barcelona top of the La Liga form table, the club travels to Madrid tonight (20:00 CET) to take on Javier Aguirre's Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón.

Barcelona playing well

The Catalan side are unbeaten in all competitions in 2008, and although 9 points behind first-placed Real Madrid just one month ago, their hard-earned victories coupled with Madrid's failings have meant Frank Rijkaard's men trail Madrid by just 2 points. On the other hand, Atléti have not had the best start to the second half of the season, earning just 4 points in 9 games. However, they still sit fourth in the table, and would surely feel a home victory against Barcelona would spur them to fend off any challengers for fourth spot in the coming months.

History favours Alético

Since taking the reigns at Barcelona, Frank Rijkaard has managed just one victory in the league at the Vicente Calderón, a prolific 0-6 win in the closing fixtures of last season. Former Atléti captain Fernando Torres was one player in particular that seemed to almost guarantee a goal whenever the two sides met, so Barcelona will be happy that the Spaniard has transferred to Liverpool FC. However, his replacement, Diego Forlán, has built a formidable partnership with young Argentinian Kún Agüero, and the two will look to continue their scoring record tonight.

Ronnie returns, Yayá and Bojan out

Ronaldinho, Giovani dos Santos, Sylvinho and Eidur Gudjohnsen all return to the squad after the midweek match against Valencia in the Copa, while Touré Yayá and Bojan Krkic will watch the match from the stands. The Ivorian midfielder is rested after playing many fixtures recently including helping his country reach the final of the African Cup, while the teenager Krkic is recovering from a knock. Rafa Márquez remains left out since he is not yet fully fit from the injury to his right foot.

Squads:
Atlético: Falcón, Antonio López, Cléber Santana, Forlán, Raúl García, Luis García, Agüero, Maxi Rodríguez, Abbiati, Zé Castro, Jurado, Reyes, Miguel de las Cuevas, Mista, Perea, Pablo, Valera, Simao, Camacho.
Barcelona: Valdés, Pinto, Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Thuram, Edmílson, Xavi, Deco, Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Henrio, Eto'o, Giovani.