Gabi Fernandez has reflected that whoever Atletico Madrid come up against in the Real Madrid team this weekend, they will be strong.
Atleti host the second League derby of the season knowing that a win would draw them level on points with their city rivals in the race for second spot.
Any win for the home side would also be a first in this fixture in 14 years.
“It’s a very long time since we beat them, at the same time, it’s also been a long time since we’ve come up against them in a situation like this,” reflected Gabi to reporters today.
“We can go level on points with Real Madrid. We also play them soon in the Copa del Rey Final.
“We are at a very high level and we must seize the opportunities given. We all dreamed of reaching the end of the season level with Madrid.
Los Merengues go into the derby with one eye on the Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund that they are in between and currently 4-1 down in.
“We’re waiting to play Real Madrid. Whichever player plays, we want to win the game. Like for us, second place for them is also important. Nobody expected the result yesterday, but they have class players and know how to overcome it.
“The team has been working hard to be in the situation we are in, the truth is the opponent generates a lot of interest because of the type of the game this is.
“For us it is a special game and we really want to win.
“Any Real Madrid player has the ability to win the game. They have players like Ozil and Cristiano who can make the difference.
“If they do not come and Mourinho believes he doesn’t have to play them, that’s good for us, but it is clear that we will come up against a very strong team.”
Atleti also know that a win over Madrid could also send the title to Barcelona, should the Catalans win their earlier game at Athletic Bilbao.
“We just want to beat Madrid. If Barcelona are crowned League champion this weekend it’s because they have earned it.
“We will think about our game and our goal is to get as high as possible and we have the opportunity to advance a position.”
