Atletico Madrid defender Jesus Gamez admits his side’s Champions League quarter-final clash with neighbours Real is “not just any game”.
Los Rojiblancos lost last year’s final to the Bernabeu outfit but they have since dominated the El Derbi clashes, winning four of the last five – including an impressive 4-0 victory in February.
However, Gamez feels previous results will count for very little when the two sides meet at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday, but he is confident Atleti can come out on top and secure a last-four spot.
“I’m sure it will be a meeting with tension and we’ll try to resolve it the best we can at home,” he said.
“We’ll go into the game with the idea that we need to get the best result in the first leg.
“But there are two games and it’s important to keep a clean sheet in the first leg. We’ll try to score to get on the right track.
“Real Madrid are in good form but we have to think of ourselves. With confidence in ourselves we can achieve great things.
“This game has to be different from the rest given its importance. It’s a Champions League match, against a direct rival, and therefore deserves great importance. It’s not just any game.
“We can’t look at the statistics. The stadium will be full and we will be delighted to be with our fans.”
Atelti, who are 2.80 to win the first leg on Tuesday, welcome back striker Mario Mandzukic after around a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury for Los Blancos’ visit.
Atletico are 19.00 to win the Champions League outright and Real can be backed at 5.00.
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