Atletico de Madrid vs Valencia - Atletico Madrid seek third win in a row

Atletico Madrid will take on Valencia in La Liga on Sunday evening after a couple of impressive performances.

The Rojiblancos won 2-0 at Real Sociedad last weekend before thrashing Astana 4-0 on Wednesday at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

The midweek Champions League victory lifted Atleti to the top of Group C where they are level on six points with Benfica after three games.

"The team is growing not just collectively but individually," Atletico coach Diego Simeone told the AS newspaper.

"We played a solid game against Astana and we could have scored more goals. I'm happy with the performance of my team."

Simeone was especially happy to see Jackson Martinez score his first Champions League goal for Atletico.

Martinez scored his team's second against the Kazakh side, his second goal since his 35million euro (B#25.1million) move from Porto this summer.

"The position of a striker is different to any other as in most cases you live off goals," Simeone said.

"We were all delighted that Jackson scored and you could see how the group celebrated.

"He is an important player for us and I'm certain that the goal will give him more confidence and belief in himself."

The Colombian striker has struggled to make an impact in Spain but is keen to have a starring role at Atletico.

"This goal was a liberation considering the opportunities I missed in other games," Martinez told Marca.

"I thank the fans for their support and will continue to work with humility and seriousness."

Atletico had lost three straight games in all competitions before last weekend's game in San Sebastian against Real Sociedad.

They are in fourth place, two points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.

Valencia, who finished last season in fourth place - one spot and one point below Atletico - are four points adrift of the Rojiblancos in eighth place in the domestic standings.

Los Che held Atletico to a 1-1 draw last season in Madrid.

They travel to the Spanish capital on the back of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Gent in the Champions League.

Valencia, coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, are second in Group H, three points adrift of pool leaders Zenit.

"It was an important win," Valencia defender Jose Luis Gaya said to valenciacf.es.

"We reacted when falling behind and the team gave everything to come out on top.

"Now we have to focus on Atletico. We must not neglect La Liga."

Nuno's side will look to make it three wins in a row at Atletico.

Nuno's side won 3-0 against Malaga last weekend for their third domestic success.

Valencia have won just one of their opening four games away from home in La Liga.

It remains to be seen if Nuno will include out-of-favour striker Alvaro Negredo in his travelling squad.

The former Manchester City forward, who has started in eight games in all competitions for Los Che, scoring two goals, was not involved for technical reasons in his team's last two encounters.