Simeone: Real Madrid & Atletico competing at the same level
Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid have reversed the trend in the Spanish capital and are now on the same level as Real Madrid.
The two sides meet on Saturday at the Vicente Calderon in La Liga for the first time since Madrid won the Champions League final on penalties in Milan earlier this year.
Simeone confirmed Antoine Griezmann would be fit for the clash and called on the home support to drive his players on.
“Atletico have reversed the trend,” Simeone said. “It's true we were once inferior to Real Madrid, but now we’re competing at the same level.
“We know the strengths and weaknesses of Real Madrid, but we have to know how to control our own emotions and be together to be able to perform, because we perfectly well understand what we need from this game.
“I hope that the stadium will be the same as always because we need the 12th man.”
Atletico have dropped off in recent weeks, losing games against Sevilla and Real Sociedad, so are desperate for the three points when they welcome their neighbours this weekend.
