Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the scorer the last time Atletico Madrid defeated neighbours Real. That was 10 years ago but Atletico are hopeful of a repeat tonight after Juande Ramos declared next week's Champions League tie away to Liverpool more important for Real than the derby match, despite his team's narrowing of Barcelona's La Liga lead.
Real have cut Barça's advantage from 12 to four points, but Real trail Liverpool 1-0 and Ramos said: "The Atletico game is important but we have 12 more games afterwards to put right any errors. Anfield is life or death."
In view of that, Guti and Arjen Robben may be rested despite Pepe and Wesley Sneijder being suspended. Atletico need to win at Porto in midweek to progress in the Champions League themselves, but Abel Resino intends to field his best side tonight.
Barcelona host Atletico Bilbao, in a precursor of the Kings' Cup final which both clubs reached this week, though Barça still extended their winless run to five games, having drawn their second leg with Real Mallorca.
Internazionale remain seven points clear in Serie A but controversy continues to follow coach Jose Mourinho, who faces a disciplinary hearing after criticising Roma, Milan, Juventus and referees. Asked if the criticism of his outburst had made him think about leaving Italy, he said: "In football you never know. You could stay two, three, four, five years, it depends on everything. But I'm certainly not working so that another coach can come in."
He added: "Angry is not the adjective to define me at this moment. Pride is the right word. I am proud. Of myself." Inter are at Genoa today.
Independent
