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Friday 23. September 2005 - 13:09

Celta and Getafe enjoy time at the top

While much of the attention in the early part of the season has been focused on the slip-ups of title favourites Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of the more modest sides in the Primera Liga have quietly taken control at the top of the table.


Celta Vigo, back in the big time after a season in the second division, are a point clear of unfancied Madrid-based side Getafe.


The two teams however, face tough tests of their new status with tricky fixtures this weekend.


Celta host a new-look Sevilla on Sunday (1900 GMT) while Getafe make the short trip across the Spanish capital to face a rejuvenated Atletico Madrid on Saturday (1800 GMT).


Celta have taken the scalps of Real Madrid and Villarreal on their way to winning three of their first four matches and it is already clear that are one of the most well balanced and effective outfits in the league.


New signing Fernando Baiano, who joined the club from Malaga in the close season, has made a major impact with the Galicians by scoring three of his side's seven goals and forming an instant understanding with ex-Liverpool winger Antonio Nunez.


The Br azilian striker believes that his new side can aspire to more than mere survival on their return to the Primera Liga.


"It is still very early in the season, but it is clear that we've got a very good side and if we all give of our best we have the ability to be up there with the best," he told local newspaper La Voz de Galicia on Friday.


"I wouldn't be surprised to see the team end the season in the European places."


Opponents Sevilla have yet to find their feet after losing leading striker Julio Baptista and promising young centre back Sergio Ramos to Real Madrid just before the start of the season.


They have also suffered a setback with injury to new signing Javier Saviola, but when new boys Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano start to find their form up front the Andalucians are certain to become a dangerous outfit.


Despite their impressive start to the season, Getafe have still got their feet firmly on the ground, with coach Bernd Schuster insisting that his side's only aim is to ensure their survival in the top flight.


One of only four teams in the Primera Liga not to have lost a game, Getafe are playing some neat, compact football and are certain to create problems for an inconsistent Atletico side that followed up their impressive 2-1 win against Barcelona by surrendering a two goal lead to lose 3-2 at Real Sociedad on Wednesday.


"Atletico are going to be very tough opponents, but we'll set out to play our own game," says Argentine centre-back Anibal Matellan. "We are playing well and will make things difficult for them."


On Sunday, Real Madrid travel to promoted Alaves in the hope that they have turned the corner after their 3-1 comeback win at home to Athletic Bilbao, while champions Barcelona will be looking to pick up after their mediocre start to the season in their game at Real Betis.

 
Provided by: Frank Henriksen
 
 
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