Real Madrid midfield star, Fede Valverde, believes the upcoming Madrid derby against fierce neighbours, Atletico Madrid, could be crucial in the race for the La Liga title this season.
Los Blancos welcome Diego Simeone’s Atletico to the Bernabeu on Saturday night, having dropped points in a 1-0 defeat away at Espanyol last weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men know that a loss would see them slip to second spot on the standings, as Atletico is just a point behind in second place ahead of the crucial encounter.
“Winning the derby would be very special, firstly because of the game it is,” Valverde said. Every player, whether they are from Real Madrid or Atlético, always wants to win it, they wish, they dream of playing a game of this calibre.”
The Uruguayan midfielder added, “Both Atlético de Madrid and Barça are doing very well, but we are thinking about our own thing, about doing it in the best way. Winning would take us a big step forward in La Liga, with everything that implies for the team in terms of morale.”
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