Atletico de Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Baptistao ready to face Rayo - 7M sport

Atletico de Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Baptistao ready to face Rayo



Posted Saturday, August 24, 2013 by PA

Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao is hoping to be let off the leash against former club Rayo Vallecano this weekend as the Rojiblancos look to build on their impressive start to the season.

The 20-year-old Brazilian played for Rayo last term and scored in both games against local rivals Atletico, netting one in a 4-3 away defeat and then striking the deciding goal in a 2-1 victory at home.

Baptistao made the short hop across the capital this summer and he helped his new club beat Sevilla 3-1 away in their Primera Division opener last weekend and then draw 1-1 with Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup in midweek.

The young striker made second-half appearances in both of those games as coach Diego Simeone opted to start with new signing David Villa and Diego Costa up front, but Baptistao is desperate to get a chance against Rayo.

"I feel good and I'm working well. I don't know if I will be in the starting line-up, none of us know," he said.

"It will be strange to face Rayo but I'm really hoping to play against them and I'm going to enjoy it. It will be special."

This weekend's derby sandwiches Atletico's two Supercup matches against champions Barca but Baptistao insists his side are not thinking about next week's return trip to the Nou Camp.

He said: "Now the most important game is the one this weekend. We want to win it and then we can see what happens with Barcelona. We must take it step by step."

Rayo also started their Primera Division campaign with a victory and their 3-0 triumph over Elche left them second in the standings, one place ahead of Atletico with only Barca ahead of the two Madrid clubs.

Teenage midfielder Saul Niguez, who is on loan from Atletico this season, hopes Rayo can take advantage of any fatigue Simeone's men might be suffering from following their exertions against Barca.

The Spain Under-21 international said: "I hope they are tired, but they've worked very well in pre-season ahead of these games."

Saul also insists he will have no qualms about celebrating if he nets against his parent club, saying: "Yes, I'd celebrate it.

"I don't think it's a lack of respect if I score a goal against the team to whom I belong and who have loaned me here, and hopefully I can score to help the team."



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