All derby matches against Real Madrid are tense: Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid's Argentine coach Diego Simeone said on Friday that the derby matches against Real Madrid are always hard.

Real Madrid is set to host cross-city rival Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday, reports Efe news.

The Blancos hold La Liga table's second spot with 13 points, two points ahead of their third-placed opponent.

"It will be a tough match, like all the games we play against Madrid, and we will have to seize control of it." Simeone said at a press conference on the eve of the duel.

He explained: "They are a vertical team with players like Asensio and Bale, who have a big chance of rate. They have good movements with players with distance vision like Kroos, Modric or Ramos and they are able to keep possession with Isco and Ceballos."

Simeone also praised the team work of Real Madrid, saying the players can react according to the pressure, "because they accumulate a lot of people in attacking areas."

Furthermore, Simeone referred to Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in the last summer window, saying that "Real Madrid is handling the matter very well in all its matches, in which the team is competing in a great way."

Simeone refused to reveal any name of his start-up list for Saturday's match, saying small details would help taking the decision.

--IANS

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