(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Two months ago, everything looked promising for high-spending Atletico Madrid. Coach Diego Simeone had freshened up his attack with Jackson Martinez, Luciano Vietto and Yannick Carrasco, and had brought back into his squad youngsters Oliver and Angel Correa.
Just six weeks into the new season, the 2014 champions are struggling. They have lost to Barcelona and Villarreal in La Liga, and crashed 2-1 at home to Benfica in the Champions League Wednesday.
"We are just not being sharp enough in front of goal," Correa said Wednesday.
"We are creating good openings but we are just not taking advantage of them. Also, we are giving away too many goals at the back ... All of this will have to change quickly."
Indeed it will, because neighbours Real Madrid will come calling Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo in sparkling form after his brace against Malmo Wednesday in a straightforward 2-0 win.
Ronaldo is now level with Raul on 323 goals as Real's all-time top scorer, and has the astonishing total of 501 to his name in his career.
Los Merengues will visit Atletico two points ahead ahead of them, and with Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale fit again after injury layoffs.
Atletico beat their neighbours four times last season in eight marathon clashes - including a memorable 4-0 romp in La Liga - but were edged out of the Champions League by Real at the quarter-final stage.
"It is always difficult visiting Atletico because their fans are very passionate," Real's veteran defender Alvaro Arbeloa said.
"But we have won there several times in the past few years, and I really think we are going to so again Sunday."
Sunday will also see surprise leaders Villarreal make the short trip to face lowly Levante.
Villarreal have 16 points, Barcelona have 15, Real and Celta Vigo 14 and Atletico 12. Celta will go top, albeit just temporarily, if they beat Getafe at home Friday.
Injury-hit Barcelona are away Saturday to a Sevilla side which will be looking to recover from 2-0 defeat at Juventus.
Barca will make the trip south with just 16 fit first-team players, as Claudio Bravo, Thomas Vermaelen, Andres Iniesta, Rafinha and - last but not least - Lionel Messi are sidelined with injury.
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