Atletico Madrid legend Adelardo Rodriguez believes that his former side have the ability this weekend to win away to Real Madrid.
Atleti have not recorded three points in a game against city rivals Madrid home or away since a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in October 1999.
However, 73-year-old Adelardo, who still holds the record for having appeared in most Madrid derbies for the red and white side of the city, believes that this weekend’s derby will see that run ended.
“I have faith in this team. If they maintain that level of intensity that they have demonstrated in matches played so far this season, then yes, they can beat Real Madrid,” he told Reuters today.
“But I also believe that the game will be more difficult than ever before because Madrid have had a difficult week and are nervous, and when these things happen sometimes it is their rival that pays.
“Are Atletico favourites? No, Madrid are because they have a great team, they are playing at home and the statistics say they are favourite.”
Adelardo commented that Coach Diego Simeone’s work in changing the side’s mentality should play in Atleti’s favour this weekend.
“He’s doing an outstanding job. He has pumped blood into the team, the same that he had as a player. They play with an intensity and a fantastic level of competitiveness and you have to hope that they maintain that until the end of the season.
“It can be one of the keys to winning on Saturday. There are clear examples, such as the finals when they defeated Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea.
“I’ve seen the win over Chelsea many times since and it was a great match, awesome. The team played well and were convinced that they could win. This is how they have to enter the Bernabeu.”
The former captain, who managed over 500 appearances for Atletico during his playing days, also rejected the notion that the previous 13 years of failing to beat Madrid will affect the current dressing room.
“The players do not have to think about htat, not least beacue there are many new faces and this will be their first derby.
“The players have to go to the Bernabeu believing that it is an important game and again, one that has nothing to do with those there were played before.
“Such anxiety is suffered by the fans, who live every derby every year. For the fans it is really vital to win, to take that pressure off, but for the Atleti players, they know that to lose, they would still be second and that their season objective would remain intact.”
