Real Madrid stars looking forward to derby vs Atletico – ‘Winning it would be very special’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz emphasised the significance of playing the highly anticipated Madrid derby at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.

He believes that hosting the match at their home ground gives Los Blancos a crucial edge in their pursuit of La Liga supremacy over Atletico Madrid. The stakes are high, with both teams vying for dominance in the tightly contested league.

“We know that a derby is a derby, it is a super important match because of what it represents, the emotion it has, how intense it is and how tight LaLiga is,” he began saying.

The midfielder underlined Real Madrid’s unyielding commitment to excellence, stressing that the team always strives to deliver their best, especially with the added advantage of playing at the Bernabeu.

“At Real Madrid we are asked to do our best, so we will try to give our all, as always, with the added bonus of playing at the Bernabeu.

“There are matches that decide championships, and others that decide who rules the city. In Madrid glory is not whispered, it is sung in every match. Because your voice is the voice of the derby.”

Vazquez and Valverde speak

Lucas Vazquez pressed the importance of winning in the derby. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lucas Vazquez also shared his excitement about the upcoming clash. For players, he noted, the derby at the Bernabeu holds a unique charm.

The electric atmosphere created by the fans adds to the thrill of playing such a crucial match. Vazquez expressed hopes for a memorable game with a hard-earned victory for Real Madrid.

“I think matches at the Bernabeu against Atletico de Madrid are always great to watch and to play. It’s a very special atmosphere, so hopefully on Saturday we’ll see a great game and win this hard-fought derby,” said the right-back.

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde highlighted the immense importance of winning the derby. He sees it as a pivotal moment in the season, one that could propel the team towards securing the league title.

“Winning the derby would be very special, firstly because of the game it is. Every player, whether from Real Madrid or Atletico, always wants to win it, they desire it and dream of playing a game of this calibre,” added the midfielder.

Praising the rivals

Federico Valverde has praised Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde acknowledged the strong performances of rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona this season but maintained that Real Madrid’s focus remains firmly on their own progress.

“Both Atletico de Madrid and Barça are doing very well, but we are thinking about our own thing, doing it in the best way possible. Winning would take us a big step forward in La Liga, with everything that implies for the team mentally.”

Securing victory in the derby would bolster the team’s confidence ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against Manchester City.

As Real Madrid prepare for this pivotal encounter, the players’ determination is evident. With passionate fans behind them at the Bernabeu, they aim to make a statement in the race for La Liga glory.

Source: Mundo Deportivo