Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 26 | Preview
tletico haven’t won a derby at the Bernabeu since 1999, but they recently defeated Barcelona in an impressive game. The crowd will surely witness one of the tightest derbies in recent years.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will clash for the 144th time tonight at the Bernabeu (20:00 CET). The Whites need a victory to stay in the fight for the top spot of the table, while the Rijiblancos need it to keep climbing and reach the Champions League qualifying positions.
Another challenge for the Madridistas is to earn their eleventh straight victory in La Liga, something only the 1962/63 squad coached by Miguel Muñoz managed to pull off. Pepe and Wesley Sneijder will miss the game due to suspensions, but the infirmary is empty, meaning Julien Faubert and Fernando Gago will be able to face the eternal foe. Royston Drenthe has also made the squad list.
Atletico defeated Barcelona 4-3 las weekend, but the haven’t won at the Bernabeu in ten years. Aguero and Forlan will try to lead their team to victory with their incredible skills in attack, but the team has many problems in defence.
Raul will surely be the most danegrous man for Atletico. The captain has scored 11 goals against them in 24 games and his partnership with Higuain in the attacking front is as strong and Aguero’s and Forlan’s.
This isn’t just a game. There’s more at stake than just three points. This is a derby.
Eighteen men have been chosen to be in the derby. Fernando Gago and Julien Faubert return to the list after recovering from their injuries. Royston Drenthe has also returned to the coach’s list. Pepe and Sneijder will miss the clash due to being suspended. Parejo, Garcia, Saviola and Torres have been left out for coaching decisions.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek;
Defenders: Salgado, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Marcelo, Metzelder;
Midfielders: Lass, Gago, Robben, Guti, Drenthe, Faubert, Van der Vaart;
Forwards: Raul, Huntelaar, Higuain;
Juande press conference
Juande Ramos wants his team to earn its 11th consecutive league victory this season in the derby.
How is Gago doing?
He’s made the squad list and we’ll decide if he can be a starter just before the game starts.
Is either of both championships a priority?
Both competitions are very important and we need to win our next two games to keep everybody excited about La Liga and the Champions League, in which we risk being eliminated. We have to do everything we can to reach as far as possible in both.
Will you give some men time to rest tomorrow in order for them to be fit for the game in Liverpool?
All my men are very excited so I don’t believe it really matters who plays. They are all ready to perform well.
How do you expect Atletico to play tomorrow?
They haven’t won at the Bernabeu for years and they are fighting to reach the top spots of the table. They are a great team. Derbies are always special and both teams will try to perform well.
Does Raul act like a sort of coach on the pitch?
He is a magificent footballer that knows his team very well. He knows how to read a game and he is always ready to help. The only difference with the rest is that he is the captain, which gives him certain influence over the rest.
Has his role been important in the team’s comeback?
Raul has lived through many difficult situations throughout his career and he knows you must always be ready to help out and to try to keep the team’s spirits up. He’s done this perfectly well.
How does Faubert feel?
He has recovered and will be able to play. He will play down the right wing either as a forward or as a right back whenever I need him.
Atletico are strong in attack, but they have problems defending. Do you think your team could take advantage of this weakness?
Every system has its perks and hindrances. It happens on every team. We will have to try to make it difficult for them to showcase their virtues and take advantage of their weaknesses.
Do you think Atletico may be influenced by their lack of victories at the Bernabeu?
Some situations are hard to explain. Some teams find it hard to win at certain stadiums. It happens to all of us.
Real Madrid seem to find it harder to win at home. Do you think Guti could play a crucial role tomorrow?
Every game unfolds in a different manner. It’s important to score an early goal in order to force our opponent to redefine its system. That’s the difference with away games. Guti is a proportional part of the squad. You always have more chances to win when all your men do their job well. Every player’s talent should be used to serve the team.
Does Pepe’s suspension alter your plans much?
Pepe was playing very well, but suspensions are a common element in football. We’ll have to work aorund it. His replacement will perform well. I’m not worried about it because we have a very versatile squad.
Do you think Aguero and Forlan form one of the best attacking fronts in Europe?
They are magnificent players that compliment each other. We will have to keep an eye on them.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak