adminMADRID. — Atletico Madrid return to Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu today for the first time since breaking their 14-year drought in the Madrid derby back in May.Diego Simeone’s men won the Copa del Rey in their rival’s own backyard 2-1 after extra time in an action-packed encounter that saw Real’s star man Cristiano Ronaldo and then manager Jose Mourinho sent off.
Mourinho has since been replaced by Carlo Ancelotti on the Real bench, but Atletico’s revival under Simeone continues unhindered as they currently lead their city rivals by two points in La Liga having won all six of their matches to date.
Victory over Osasuna on Tuesday meant Atletico equalled their best ever start to a league season and they are looking to continue their sensational form in the biggest game either side has faced so far this season.
“We know we can win and we know how to beat them. We have managed to do it now,” said Atletico defender Filipe Luis.
“We know it is still going to be very difficult, even when having an off day in the cup final, they had six or seven clear chances and hit the post a few times.
“But our team is very solid, we have a spectacular collective level and we need to maintain that with the spirit that no one is more important than anyone else.”
Gareth Bale is expected to finally make his home debut for Real after a thigh strain forced him to pull out of last weekend’s 4-1 win over Getafe in the warm-up.
And with Luis likely to go head-to-head with the Welshman, he is aware of the challenge that awaits him.
Fixtures:
Today: Valencia v Rayo Vallecano (4pm), Almeria v Barcelona (6pm), Real Sociedad v Sevilla (8pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (10pm)
Tomorrow: Osasuna v Levante (12noon), Celta Vigo v Elche (5pm), Espanyol v Getafe (7pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (9pm)
Monday: Granada v Athletic Bilbao (9pm). — AFP.
Online Reporter