Keylor Navas has insisted that Real Madrid respect Atletico Madrid ahead of Sunday's capital derby at the Vicente Calderon.
Matches between the two rivals have become renowned for their tempestuous nature, but the goalkeeper is of the opinion that all of Los Blancos' opponents deserve recognition as it inspires them “to play well in every game.”
“It'll be a great game, one with extra motivation. These are the games that everyone wants to be involved in,” he was quoted as saying by Marca.
“In Madrid, whenever there's a derby then it's one of the biggest games in the League. It shows because the fans live it to the fullest,.
“All our opponents deserve respect and that makes us more professional and encourages us to play well in every game.
“I feel good and grateful [for my chance]. I'm experiencing something that I've wanted for a long time and things are going very well.
“[Rafa Benitez] is a hard worker, likes order and is always prepared tactically. It's important that the team are solid and playing well.
“[Playing for Madrid] fills me with huge delight. Being here has been a dream of mine since childhood.
“I'm doing something which fills me with pride and I want to carry on like this.”
