REAL MADRID vs ATLETICO MADRID PREVIEW: King Of Europe Against The Champion Of Spain

The kings of Europe welcome the champions of Spain as Real face Atletico in the Madrid derby in La Liga on Saturday. It will be the seventh meeting between the two fierce rivals in 2014 and both may feel they have a score to settle, with Atletico having taken the domestic honours last season while Real completed La Decima with an extra-time triumph in the Champions League final.

Indeed, there have already been two Madrid derbies this season, with Atleti coming out on top 2-1 on aggregate in the Supercopa de Espana. For Diego Simeone's charges to be competing so closely with their illustrious and big-spending neighbours is an achievement in itself, and that reality is not lost on Atleti defender Juanfran.

Real Madrid Finally Wins La Decima Beating Atletico Madrid 4-1 In Champions League Final

Real Madrid came back into the match when all hopes were lost with just two minutes to the end of the match in added time.

After the equalizer Atletico looked extra tired in extra time giving a vibrant Di Maria an opportunity to test Courtis who pushed the ball off to Bale's head who correctly headed in. Marcelo added the icing on the cake to make it three and the star boy in his own country finally won a penalty for himself which moved his goal tally to 17 in 11 matches.

Congrats to Real Madrid, hala madrid, hala madrid.

Ronaldo Set To Lead Real Madrid's La Decima Quest Tonight

Everybody will be present and correct on the Bernabeu pitch at 8:45PM for the first round of the Champions League semi-final tie between Real and Bayern.

With no war of words in the press room, the focus will be on the game, on the teams' respective playing styles, led by two managers, Ancelotti and Guardiola, who have both won the competition as players and coaches, and know full well how to win this type of event.

Cristiano has recovered in time to play. The Portuguese trained normally on Tuesday. He looked motivated and appeared to enjoy playing 'piggy in the middle'. He wasn't nervous, like he was on the eve of the Dortmund game.

PEPE: We Have To Believe We Can Win La Decima

Pepe is on a career high at the moment, not only in terms of results, but also in terms of his development as a footballer: he is feeling important and strong - something that shows in the way he talks about Real Madrid, like a leader.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper 'Record', Pepe said:
"We have to believe we can win the 'Decima' (tenth Champions League title). We're working towards that and the truth is that we are doing a good job, both in 'la Liga' and in the Champions League. And we've got the Cup final, too. We're doing really well at the best stage of the season. We are a consistent and reliable team".

ANCELOTTI: La Decima Motivating Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says that the prospect of winning a 10th European Cup is driving on his players.

The Liga leaders have one foot in the last eight of the competition after thrashing Schalke 6-1 at the Veltins-Arena in the round of 16 last week.

While the Italian insists that Bayern Munich remain favourites for the Champions League, he says Madrid are united in their desire to make history.

CHRISTANO RONALDO: We Can Win La Decima

Cristiano Ronaldo insists that La Decima is not an obsession for Real Madrid with the Champions League round of 16 around the corner. Carlo Ancelotti's side have been drawn against Schalke in the first knockout phase as they look to progress beyond the semi-final stage after three successive seasons of being knocked out at the penultimate hurdle.

Ronaldo, 29, defended the club's pursuit of becoming the first club to take their European Cup tally to double figures and admitted the players are focused on usurping Bayern Munich as champions of Europe.

"Winning the 10th Champions League cannot be seen as an obsession," the Ballon d'Or-winning forward told Sky Sport Italia.

"The fans, players and everyone else has expected that achievement for a while. Real Madrid always think they can win and, of course, it is a goal for all of us."