The kings of Europe welcome the champions of Spain as Real
face Atletico in the Madrid derby in La Liga on Saturday.
It will be the seventh meeting between the two fierce
rivals in 2014 and both may feel they have a score to settle, with Atleti
having taken the domestic honours last season while Real completed 'La Decima'
with an extra-time triumph in the UEFA Champions League final.
Indeed, there have already been two Madrid derbies this
season, with Atleti coming out on top 2-1 on aggregate in the Supercopa de
Espana.
For Diego Simeone's charges to be competing so closely
with their illustrious and big-spending neighbours is an achievement in itself,
and that reality is not lost on Atleti defender Juanfran.
"We will never have excessive confidence, not
against Real or against anyone," he said in quotes reported by AS.
"The derby matches are closer nowadays than they
used to be, since we ended our run of defeats."
Atleti, who responded to their disappointing opening-game
draw with Rayo Vallecano by beating Eibar 2-1 last time out, suffered a blow
ahead of the Real showdown after Cristian Rodriguez sustained a calf injury.
The winger was withdrawn after just 24 minutes of
Uruguay's 1-0 win over South Korea on Monday and is a major doubt for the trip
to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence was keenly felt by his
country as Portugal suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Albania in Euro 2016
qualifying on Sunday, but the prolific Ballon d'Or holder has been training for
Real and should feature.
Sami Khedira, however, has undergone knee surgery and
will definitely miss out.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will be seeking a response to the
4-2 defeat against Real Sociedad before the international break.
Real surrendered a two-goal lead in that match and will
be wary of a visiting side who won 1-0 at the Bernabeu in last season's Liga
meeting.
Diego Costa, who has since left for Chelsea, grabbed the
winner on that occasion.
Simeone's men went on to finish just three points ahead
of Real as they won their first league crown in 18 years.
With such fine margins separating champions and
also-rans, this weekend's game could have a big say in who gets domestic
bragging rights this term.
Culled from Soccerway
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