Atletico Madrid playmaker Diego concedes it would be a "surprise'' if the Rojiblancos ended their Real Madrid hoodoo in Saturday`s derby at the Bernabeu.

Atletico have not beaten their city rivals for 12 years and Brazil international Diego was not exuding confidence when asked about their chances of overcoming Jose Mourinho's table-toppers this weekend.

He told the AS newspaper: "To win at the Bernabeu would be a surprise at this point given our away form.

"Real are unbeaten at home and it would be a surprise win, but that's football.

"We have to respect them because they are the favourites and very strong but we will try to make it a great game.

"The derby is much more intense and it will be a special game.''

Real are three points clear of defending champions Barcelona and have won their last 12 games in all competitions - including a 6-2 mauling of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League in midweek.It is a tough assignment for an Atletico side who have taken just one point from five away fixtures in the Primera Division this season.

Diego added: "We are going to play the best team in the league but we have confidence in our quality and will go to the Bernabeu looking to play a great match.

"We have to fight hard and show character to prove we are a good team.

"We must be focused because if we make a mistake they will punish us.''

Real's Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is demanding his side play with "fast, aggressive pressure'' as they seek to maintain their place at the top.

The former Stuttgart man, who has won four out of four Madrid derbies after moving to Spain, told www.bwin.com: "A derby is always complicated and we have to concentrate, play with fast, aggressive pressure and move the ball quickly to win.

"Atletico Madrid have a very strong team but if we can stay compact in defence I am convinced we will win this match.

"Anything else would be a disappointment because we are hoping to continue this streak of consecutive wins in the derby.''

Alvaro Arbeloa and Kaka are likely to be missing for Real but Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho could return.

Atletico's Radamel Falcao will face a late fitness test to see whether he will start in attack as he closes in on a recovery from a hamstring injury.



Match

In a short way, Real Madrid is my favourite.
The likes of Lass, Pepe, Segio, Ronaldo-7, , they are just enough for me to sit right and enjoy the game, football.

Bro, i thought of this lately, no replacement like J.Morinho. Come to think of it, Chelsea, Inter Milan, except for Porto, have never seen a better replacement after him.
Talking about Porto, that same man who broke is record is now coaching Chelsea but things just seem no to be right or in his favour. AVB is uncomparable to Jose's aura and his charisma of making things seem outstanding.

dr chief jose mourinho pls i will be watching that match give me more smiles

A win for Atleti.

Wonder if Casillas is gonna make a couple of howlers tonight. . . . .I hear his G.F is ultra-hot and she is Atleti to the core

The match is by 8 pm

medjai:

A win for Atleti.

for your mind

RuuDie:

Wonder if Casillas is gonna make a couple of howlers tonight. . . . .I hear his G.F is ultra-hot and she is Atleti to the core

so becuase his GF is Atleti he will simply throw the ball into the net himself. somfin he hasn't done since he started manning the goal post

game on!

goal for atheltico

ronnie scores a pen for real
1 -1

I think Athletico Madrid came to kick legs today and not play.

Di Maria is a disgrace. . . diving cunt

Benzema still has some way to go to reach the very top. He's just not sharp enough to strike frequently under tight marking and not  flexible enough to create time and space. You can't fault his commitment though. I think Gonzalo is better if he can smoke his beef with CR7.

madrid 2 atletico m 1

It's 2-1 and Di' Maria is the man.

Wonder if the ref woulda flashed a red if that had happened at the other end. . . . .?

Real seem to b loosing focus.I pray they loose so barca can level up fast!

na wa o

3 -1

Real Madrid 3 Atletico Madrid 1, Up Madrid  

na wa o

see cheap penalty


4 -1 real

Madrid all the way

Hardly u c Real playin in laliga witout gvn deir oponent red card or awardin madrid penalty.

@Nyntynplus
You have the right to speak or comment on any issue but your comment on this thread is unfair and unjust to Real Madrid. Check your facts first before hitting the keyboard. Remember, this Real Madrid playing not Barca.

if nt 4 d kindness of this ref, ath.madrid wud hv ended up six players. Hw much were they paid 4 dia die hard tackle.? I hope 2 see dis same ref in el clasico where barca wont get a single free kick. Hala madrid. Sportin gijon nxt!

I HAVE A COMMENT TO POST ON NAIRALAND CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DIRECT ME HOW TO POST HERE ON NAIRALAND.

THANKING U IN ANTICIPATION

The red card to Thibaut Courtois turned the game on its head.
Atletico were taking the game to Real and that pass from Gabi really sliced open Madrid's defence for Adrian to score.
After red to Courtois, Atleti were just content to sit back and defend and it was only a matter of time before Madrid broke them.

Nyntynplus:

Hardly u c Real playin in laliga witout gvn deir oponent red card or awardin madrid penalty.

The thing tire me o! 6 penalties already this season.

Athletico gave Real a taste of what they gave Barca in last seasons el classico's. Some really strong challenges.

[b]LATEST FROM MORROCCO:[/b]OLYMPIC AFRICAN QUALIFYING TOURNAMEN: NIGERIA 0 MOROCCO 1 (Final Result)

mannygee:

[b]LATEST FROM MORROCCO:[/b]OLYMPIC AFRICAN QUALIFYING TOURNAMEN: NIGERIA 0 MOROCCO 1 (Final Result)

where did you watch it?

humble01:

where did you watch it?

My guy, I no see am watch o. But just got the result now on CAF official website.