Real Madrid are set to make the trip to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in La Liga and hopefully secure a victory in what has been a difficult hunting ground.
Los Blancos have won just once in their last seven visits to the ground, and Jose Mourinho will be keen to set that record straight.
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Madrid will walk into the Metropolitano facing an Atletico Madrid side in a confident mood, and Marc Pubill has made it clear that Diego Simeone’s players have no intention of being intimidated by their neighbours.
Speaking to MARCA ahead of the derby, Pubill was specifically asked about facing Madrid’s attacking stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.
Pubill defiant about his team’s chances
The Atletico defender acknowledged their quality but immediately backed his own team.
“They are great players and a great team, but we are too,” Pubill said.
“So we will fight on the pitch and try to beat them.”
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Asked directly whether Madrid’s stars scared him, his answer could hardly have been clearer.
“No,” Pubill replied.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are set to fight it out in the Madrid derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The question was then turned around. Could it actually be Real Madrid who should have some fear or respect for Atletico, considering their recent performances?
“Definitely,” Pubill responded.
Those are bold words before a derby carrying significant importance for both sides.
Pubill predicts Atletico will beat Madrid
Pubill’s confidence did not end there.
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Asked what defeating Jose Mourinho’s Madrid would represent for an Atletico team Simeone still describes as being under construction, the defender suggested it could become an early statement of their ambitions.
“Yes, beating them this Sunday would be a statement,” Pubill said.
“We are going to fight for it and make it happen. I’m sure we will.”
For Madrid, there is little reason to read too much into these comments. Atletico players are entitled to believe they can win, especially considering their home record.
Diego Simeone is no stranger to Madrid derbies. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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Pubill also believes Atletico are only going to improve as their new arrivals become accustomed to one another.
“I think we have built a great team,” he said.
“New players have arrived and we have to get to know each other better. Once we adapt to one another, we’re going to fly and compete, for sure.”
Los Blancos now have an opportunity to challenge Pubill directly. The Metropolitano has caused them enough problems in recent seasons, but tonight is an opportunity to change the narrative.
Pubill believes Atletico should not fear Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham, but Madrid have nothing to fear against their city rivals either.
Everything promises to be a mouth-watering clash between the two Madrid clubs, and it remains to be seen who earns the bragging rights at the end of the night.
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