Los Blancos Head Into Madrid Derby On A High

Greetings, fellow madridistas.  If you weren't already aware, Real Madrid will be taking on Atletico Madrid this Saturday on Match-day 14 of la Liga. It is that derby time of year again and here on Managing Madrid we plan on building this match up to the Clásico level  (not quite, but you get the point).

The Madrid derby has always been an exciting match. The rivalry between these two teams goes way back, and since it's as close to personal as you can get in football, expect both teams to be going out there and giving it their all. And with El Clásico drawing ever closer, this match is the perfect test of Real Madrid's skill and nerve. It also doesn't hurt that the match will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu, though since Atleti fans don't live too far away, you can expect a great turn-up from the away side as well. All in all, it is set to be a fantastic spectacle, but one we can't afford to lose.

Los Blancos should be pretty comfortable going into this game. They have been in blistering form with a healthy appetite for goals. Real Madrid will also be on quite a high as they enter the match straight after their convincing 6-2 demolition of Dynamo Zagreb in the Champions League.  

Casillas spoke about this coming match earlier at a publicity event:

"We want to take more points in the derby to stay leaders. We know none of our opponents will make things easier for us and we'll have to fight hard to win. Many people's eyes will be on this new derby and I'm sure Atletico and their fans want to earn a good result."

Speaking of players, Marcelo is back from injury and was training with the squad in Valdebebas earlier today as Jose Mourinho and company continue preparations for the derby, which is, of course, a great sign.

Real Madrid currently top the Primera Division and are three points ahead of rivals Barcelona. And if history is on our side again, we can expect to see that gap sticking around.