Marc Pubill: Atletico Madrid ready to fight for victory against Real Madrid

Marc Pubill says Atletico Madrid will give everything to beat Real Madrid in the derby, insisting the club remain determined to win the UEFA Champions League this season.

Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the seventh round of La Liga, with Diego Simeone’s side aiming to close the gap on their city rivals.

“Simeone is an extremely demanding manager who is always trying to get the best out of every player, and he always succeeds,” Pubill told reporters before the match. “He is strict, or call it whatever you want, but his approach works.”

Pubill also reflected on Atletico Madrid’s defeat by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, describing it as one of the most difficult experiences of his career.

“Losing the Copa del Rey final was one of the hardest moments of my career,” he said. “Atletico Madrid’s supporters saw themselves as champions of the Copa del Rey. It was painful, but I am certain we will win something this year.”

Atletico Madrid have continued to target success in Europe, despite the disappointment of that domestic final.

“We always fight to win the UEFA Champions League and we will try again this season,” Pubill added.

The derby will feature several of Real Madrid’s leading players, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Pubill acknowledged their quality but said Atletico Madrid would approach the game with confidence.

“Facing Real Madrid is special, but it is like any other match,” he said. “It is only three points.”

Asked about Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, Pubill replied: “They are outstanding players and they have a great team. We are a great team too, so we will fight on the pitch and beat them.”

Real Madrid are second in the La Liga table with 15 points, while Atletico Madrid occupy fourth place on 13 points.