MADRID, Oct 3, 2008 (AFP) - Barcelona host title rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday determined not to compound coach Pep Guardiola's already frayed nerves by leaving it late to secure victory.

In their last three matches Barca have scored winning goals in the final ten minutes with Eidur Gudojohnsen scoring an 80th minute winner against Real Betis a fortnight ago while Lionel Messi scored a last minute penalty in the 2-1 derby win at Espanyol over the weekend.

Messi then came off the substitutes bench to score twice (87min and 90min) in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Shaktar Donetsk on Wednesday that sparked wild celebrations.

'We've got the right approach and we would like to win by better scorelines but if you play well and create chances you end up winning,' said captain Carles Puyol.

'What's important is the way we're playing, our enthusiasm and the effort we are putting in.'

It has been far from plain sailing for new coach Guardiola but Barca are onoy three points behind early pacesetters Valencia without really hitting top gear.

Atletico have also driven their fans to distraction this season with their inconsistent form.

A 2-1 win over Marseille maintained their 100-percent Champions League record but in the Spanish league the capital club have lost twice although they are still only four points behind Valencia.

'It is another big game at the weekend (against Barcelona) and we will go there to win,' said Atletico coach Javier Aguirre.

Real Madrid sit a point behind Valencia in third after grinding out four successive league wins and the champions host Espanyol on Sunday.

Former player Robinho said the atmosphere in the dressing room at Manchester City was much better than at Real but if there is a problem it has not influenced things on the pitch.

A 2-1 Champions League win in the cold of Zenit St Petersburg put Real on top of their Champions League group and the champions are a force at home.

'You always lose in Madrid whenever you play well,' said Espanyol coach Bartolome Marquez. 'I hope we play terrible and win. '

Espanyol, reeling from their derby defeat to Barcelona, beat Real 2-1 last season and Real's Dutch midfielder Roysten Drenthe picked out striker Raul Tamudo, who scored in that win, as the dangerman.

'It is going to be a tough match,' said Drenthe. 'Last season they beat us at their stadium and then we won at home but it was hard work. They are a great team and have great players like Raul Tamudo.'

Unbeaten Valencia lead the way with 13 points from 15, edging Villarreal on goal difference, and defend top spot at Valladolid on Sunday.

Valencia coach Unai Emery has been lapping up the plaudits for reversing the team's fortunes with winger Joaquin saying he is much better than predecessor Ronald Koeman.

'The team is virtually the same but there is some order now,' said Joaquin.

'Emery knows what he has and doesn't complicate or invent things. Fortunately this season we have a coach.'

Koeman won the Kings Cup but was hugely unpopular with some of Valencia's experienced players.

While Emery deserves credit for his work, David Villa has also been hugely influential scoring six goals in five matches to top the scoring charts.

Villarreal have also yet to taste defeat and lie behind Valencia on goal difference heading into Saturday's home match with Real Betis.

Villarreal dispatched Celtic 1-0 at El Madrigal in Tuesday's Champions League outing and come up against a Betis team still searching for their first win.

Sevilla, fourth two points off the lead, entertain Athletic Bilbao on Sunday aiming to follow up last weekend's impressive 1-0 win at Atletico.

Villarreal v Real Betis (1800 GMT)), Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (2000 GMT)

Sunday - all 1500 GMT unless stated

Recreativo Huelva v Malaga, Getafe v Almeria, Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao, Real Mallorca v Sporting Gijon, Osasuna v Racing Santander, Deportivo La Coruna v Numancia, Valladolid v Valencia (1700 GMT), Real Madrid v Espanyol (1900 GMT).