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Atletico compete on a par with Real Madrid – Simeone

We have to play the match and we want to see a good one.

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However, the Frenchman remains a doubt for the game after sustaining a foot injury playing for his country and will face a late fitness test, according to Jake Lambourne of the Sun.

While forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are also ready to play, Zidane will be without his other pure striker Alvaro Morata, who injured a hamstring while playing for Spain over the global break.

Griezmann was able to return to full training with Atletico on Thursday and he is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash with Real Madrid.

Diego Simeone says that giving the Atletico Madrid fans a performance to savor in potentially the last ever match against rivals Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon is more important than closing the gap in the title race.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 18: Karim Benzema (L) celebrates with his team mate Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid CF after scoring his team’s second goal during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at the RCDE stadium on September 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.

While Atletico will be without long term injury victim, Augusto Fernandez, Antoine Griezmann is available after suffering a foot injury on worldwide duty and Diego Simeone will be able to field a full side. We’re going into it in good shape and we’ve got players back following the global break.

With Kroos out injured, Real may be forced into a defensive shell in the early stages of the contest but Zidane will hope that the return Karim Benzema, alongside Gareth Bale and Ronaldo, can earn Real their first league win against Atletico since 2013.

“That it is the last derby at the Calderon in La Liga makes it all the more exciting and special”, added Gabi.

This time, Madrid is just looking to keep its momentum when it plays city rival Atletico on Saturday. “But he always shows Madrid a lot of respect, even more than against Barcelona”.

“I expect the stands to be the same as always”, Simeone said.

An end to their domestic dominance of the fixture could have serious ramifications for Simeone’s side, who will fall nine points behind Madrid if they are defeated on Saturday.

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Real will be guaranteed a hostile reception for possibly the final derby at the Calderon before Atletico move to their new 67,000 capacity La Peineta stadium from next season.

Benzema-AP