REAL MADRID v ATLETICO MADRID
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has maintained a diplomatic stance ahead of his team’s latest derby date with Atletico – their seventh of the current calendar year – by defending their local rivals’ physical style of play.
Atletico have attracted criticism for their rugged approach, collecting 19 yellow cards in the last four meetings between the teams, but Ancelotti turned down the opportunity to label them a dirty side.
“They are intense and aggressive but not violent,” said Ancelotti ahead of tonight’s meeting at the Bernabeu. “Football is a game for men, it’s not a game for girls.”
The Italian coach claims Cristiano Ronaldo is raring to go despite being ruled out of Portugal’s shock Euro 2016 qualifying defeat against Albania with a knee injury which has troubled him for the last few months. Ancelotti was keen to deny reports that his key asset is suffering from a long-term injury, insisting: “Cristiano is fully fit and in optimum physical shape. He is not suffering a chronic injury.”
Iker Casillas is set to retain his place in goal despite a poor performance in Real’s stunning 4-2 loss against Real Sociedad before the international break, with Ancelotti claiming: “Iker has never lost his confidence.”
And the Italian coach also believes his team can overcome the recent sales of Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria to retain the compact team shape they gradually established last season. “Our system and strategy won’t change,” he said. “Neither will we make any strange positional changes. We’re confident we can rediscover our balance.”
New signing Javier Hernandez is likely to make his debut from the bench, and Ancelotti was pleased with the options now provided by his two strikers, Hernandez and Frenchman Karim Benzema.
Atletico chief Diego Simeone, predictably, was in accord with Ancelotti’s assessment of his team, saying: “We are not violent, but a team of intensity and hard work.”
He also held out the hand of fellowship to his counterpart at the Bernabeu, emphasising that respect between the clubs will always remain intact despite the debates and controversies that rage before and after games.
“Between colleagues, we understand that in the end it is a game. I think every team has respect for all their opponents – we all know that a lot of things can happen in a game of football,” the 44 year old said.
However, Simeone couldn’t resist from indulging in a playful piece of gamesmanship by contributing to the ongoing goalkeeper debate at the Bernabeu.
When asked who had become his favourite Real player since the departure of fellow Argentine Di Maria – a player he had previously admitted to admiring – he smiled: “Now the one I like the most is Casillas.”
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: All eyes rest on Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Portugal superstar set to return after shaking off a niggling knee injury. The international break saw Sami Khedira (knee) and Daniel Carvajal (hamstring) pick up problems. Jese remains sidelined.
Atletico Madrid: Head coach Diego Simeone could have a full squad to choose from for the latest edition of the heated Madrid derby, with the only question mark hanging over Turkey midfielder Arda Turan (thigh). The Argentine boss is still serving his touchline ban.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, James; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Garcia, Suarez, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Mandzukic
KEY PLAYERS
Real Madrid – Sergio Ramos
Will need to be at his defiant and athletic best tonight to repel Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann. Three of the four goals during the defeat to Real Sociedad last time out came from crosses. A cure for Real’s long-running problem must be found. And soon.
Atletico Madrid – Diego Godin
Should pose problems at the front and back for Real. Los Blancos remain horrendously weak in the air, with Godin profitting from this deficiency in the Champions League final. Will also lead the resistance in defence.
