PREVIEW: Real approach Madrid derby match in good heart

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
Real
Madrid are approaching Saturday's derby match against neighbours
Atletico in good heart as a result of Wednesday's 3-0 thrashing of Lyon.

The whites are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the
first time since 2004, and intend to celebrate on Saturday by beating
Atletico yet again.

Astonishingly, Atletico have not beaten their illustrious neighbours
since 1999, but they are hoping that Jose Mourinho's team will be tired
after they Lyon showdown.

Veteran striker Diego Forlan said: "The games against Real are always
something special, there is more motivation, particularly when we play
them at home."

He added that "a bad run of results always finishes soon or later,
this will happen one day. They are a good team, but we are not afraid of
them."

Forlan - who scored both goals in last season's Europa League final
against Fulham - has become unpopular with the Atletico fans recently
because he has admitted that he may leave if a better offer comes along.

"When I am asked about my future I always give an honest answer, and
this is why some people criticize me," said the 31 year-old.

Atletico need to win not only to restore some local pride, but also
to get close to the European places. They are currently eight, and coach
Quique Sanchez Flores is in jeopardy.

Real are five points behind leaders Barcelona, who are at home to Getafe earlier on Saturday.

Before the match the Camp Nou and the players will pay tribute to
Barca defender Eric Abidal, who will miss the rest of the season due to a
tumour on the liver.

"This is the worst moment that I have ever been through in a
dressing-room," said a tearful Xavi on Wednesday, after Abidal have come
in to explain his situation to his team-mates.

The Abidal situation will stretch Barca's defensive resources because
captain Carles Puyol is still injured and left-back Maxwell has a
pulled muscle. This means that veteran Gabriel Milito will have to play
alongside Gerard Pique in central defence and Adriano at left-back.

The first game on Saturday will see Mallorca at home to revitalized Zaragoza.

The big game on Sunday will bring together two troubled giants. Valencia and Sevilla. Valencia are third, Sevilla seventh.

Meanwhile, fourth-placed Villarreal will travel to Bilbao, whilst
Deportivo Coruna take on Levante and Malaga receive Espanyol. Also on
Sunday, Hercules face Osasuna, Racing Santander receive Real Sociedad
and Sporting Gijon take on Almeria.