A red-hot derby

Arda Turan is not scared of Real Madrid. He said as much when he recalled that he knows what it feels like to beat them in La Liga and the Cup. He sees his side as favourites because they're playing at the Calderón, where he is a firm favourite with the fans, because of his talent, his charisma and his football.

"Favourites to win the derby? Us. It's hard to pick a favourite in a derby, but playing at the Calderón, we're favourites because we're at home," said Atlético's Turkish international.

"We've already shown how to beat Real Madrid and we've done it twice. We have to be ourselves and fight, sweat blood and tears, give our all. We have to play our game. They have more talented players, but we're fearless," Arda responded to MARCA.

"We aren't scared of them. We've already beaten them, both in the league and the Cup. An Atlético player must never be scared," said the Turk.

"The gaffer works and studies all the details. Simeone speaks from his heart and knows how to get the best out of his players. What's most important is that he's a good man. If something ever happened to you, he would never abandon you," said Arda Turan about his coach.

"I've never considered playing for another team. Atlético has nothing to envy Barcelona or Real Madrid," the Atleti player concluded in reference to his future.