Real on edge ahead of Madrid derby at Atletico
Reuters - Monday 09 April 2012, 12:46
Atletico Madrid coach Diego
Simeone is just the man to exploit Real Madrid's ragged nerves
as his side try to end a 13-year winless run against their more
illustrious neighbours on Wednesday.
Simeone, often described as playing with a knife between his
teeth when he captained Argentina, has brought some of his
uncompromising tenacity to Atletico who have lost only once at
home since he arrived in the winter break.
La Liga leaders Real, on the other hand, will have their
nerves on edge after seeing a 10-point lead over Barcelona cut
to four in the space of three weeks. Their latest slipup was a
0-0 draw at home to Valencia on Sunday.
"Perhaps we were a little anxious and rushed when making the
final pass," said Real director Emilio Butragueno.
"Wednesday's game will be vital for us to get some breathing
space," added the former Real forward known in his playing days
as the Vulture. "There is no let up, we have a terrible month in
front of us."
While Real have drawn three of their last five league
matches, a Lionel Messi-inspired Barca have won nine on the trot
and host Getafe on Tuesday.
Real are chasing their first league title since 2008 and
have 79 points after 31 games. Barca have 75 and are seeking
their fourth straight La Liga crown.
Jose Mourinho's side, on paper, have a tougher run-in, with
further trips to play Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona on April 21.
"After drawing against Valencia, we have to win at the
Calderon," Real defender Raul Albiol told reporters.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
If Real and Barca finish the season level on points the
head-to-head results between them would decide the title, as
happened when Fabio Capello's Real team won in 2007.
Maintaining a four-point gap helps keep the pressure off the
'clasico' in Barcelona in two weeks time, as Pep Guardiola's
side hold a 3-1 advantage from their victory at the Bernabeu in
December.
Europa League semi-finalists Atletico, who are seventh,
slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Levante on Sunday and are running out
of options in their push for a top four finish.
"We have to respect Real because they are the leaders, they
are more than 30 points ahead of us, and are one of the best
teams in their history," Atletico's Brazilian defender Felipe
Luis said.
"We are all very keen to end this run of many years without
beating Madrid."