Rafael calls in Atletico favour

Dutch midifielder pledges support to arch-rivals this weekend

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 10th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafael calls in Atletico favour

Van der Vaart: Asks for Atletico help

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Rafael van der Vaart is backing Atletico Madrid to do arch-rivals Real Madrid a favour by beating Barcelona at the weekend.

The Dutchman believes there are only a handful of games the Primera Liga leaders may stumble in the remainder of the season and the former Hamburg midfielder reckons the trip to the Vicente Calderon could well one of those.

Barca have a five-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table and are unbeaten this term and Van der Vaart is hopeful that neighbours Atletico can end that formidable run.

"It will be very important for Atletico to win the match," he explained. "But first we have to win against Xerez in a complicated game, and when we do I will become a fan of Atletico Madrid.

"We know that Barcelona are not going to drop many points and that they play at a very good level. This week they are in Madrid though and I have great faith in Atletico.

"I think that they will beat Barcelona."