Real, Athletico Tango

A midweek programme brings no respite to the battle for the Primera Liga title, as leader Real Madrid make the short trip to city rival Atletico.

With seven games remaining and a trip to the Barcelona later this month, Madrid can’t afford any more slip-ups after a 10-point gap over its rivals has been reduced to four in less than a month.

In that period Madrid has won just two out of five, drawing three matches, while its rival has been victorious in its last nine league outings.

Barcelona came from behind to beat Zaragoza 4-1, while Madrid were ineffective in attack as it drew 0-0 at home to Valencia.

Barcelona’s midfielder Thiago Alcantara was quick to send out a message to Madrid after the hard fought victory.

“Madrid will have to sweat blood to win this league,” he said, as the two sides move closer to their 21 April showdown.

Barcelona’s defeat in November has only been followed by a 3-2 loss at Osasuna in February, with the side scoring a club record 161 goals in 54 matches in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid attacker Radamel Falcao is desperate to find the net against cross town rivals.

The 26-year-old striker has already found the net 20 times in La Liga this term, and the Colombian is keen to add to his tally in today’s derby at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

“It would be very special if I score in the derby. Goals in derbies are always special, and those who score will make history. I hope that we win, and it will be even better if I score,” Falcao told El Mundo Deportivo.

“We are only thinking about winning the match, not about what a loss would mean for Real. We are focused on ourselves and at the opportunity to beat them in our own stadium. We have to remain calm.”

“Real Madrid have some great individuals who can decide the game, but they’ve been very strong as a team as well. Above all, it’s their individual quality that stands out though.”