Luis Suarez is fired up for Saturday’s Madrid Derby, as the Uruguay striker prepares to face Real Madrid for the first time as an Atletico player.
The forward joined Diego Simeone‘s side in the summer from La Liga rivals Barcelona and has been in fine form for his new club. Suarez has scored five goals in eleven matches across all competitions this season.
Luis Suarez Is Excited for First Madrid Derby
Striker Has Formidable Record Against Los Blancos
Suarez was unhappy at being brought off in the second half of his team’s 2-0 victory against RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday. Manager Diego Simeone will be hoping for the 33-year-old to vent his frustrations on their city rivals this weekend.
Zinedine Zidane‘s Real Madrid side will know exactly what to expect from the striker when the two teams meet in La Liga for the first time this season, but stopping him is an altogether different proposition.
Suarez took part in Spain’s famed ‘El Clasico’ fixture on sixteen occasions over his six years as a Barcelona player. His record in it is phenomenal, with eleven goals scored.
The former Liverpool man will be looking for more of the same when he lines up for Atletico tomorrow night. The forward told Spanish publication MARCA that he accepts Simeone’s decision to bring him off against Salzburg.
“I don’t believe that because I came from Barcelona they can’t substitute me,” Suarez admitted.
His manager will be hoping that the decision bears fruit against an out-of-form Real.
Zinedine Zidane Says Atletico Are Favourites for La Liga Title
Real Madrid are preparing for the fixture knowing that defeat will leave them nine points behind their city rivals, who have played a game fewer.
Zidane’s side currently sit fourth in the league standings but did ensure Champions League progression with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.
The Frenchman has conceded that Atletico are favourites for the title this season. “That’s what they’re showing. They’re playing well; they’re winning. They’ve always been competitive, [and] they’re top of the table today,” the 48-year-old said when quizzed on whether their rivals could clinch a first league title since 2014.
Main Photo
