Diego Godin: Atletico Madrid ready for the demands of Real

Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin says his side is ready for both the mental and physical challenges posed by city rivals Real Madrid.

The Rojiblancos will face Madrid in the Champions League sem-final first leg at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night with a spot in Cardiff’s final at stake.

Atletico have not beaten Madrid in La Liga this season having suffered a 3-0 home defeat but earning a 1-1 away draw.

The Uruguayan said Atletico still have plenty of achieving to do in Europe.

“I see my team doing quite well at the moment,” Godin explained.

“We are doing well from the physical point of view. We are also ready from the mindset point of view.

“Real Madrid will be very demanding physically and mentally.

“We have a lot of desire and ambition to do things well and keep going in this competition.”

Coach Diego Simeone added that he is aiming to halt fast starters Real and ensure the remainder of the match can be comfortable for his players.

“I imagine a game where they will start really strongly as they normally do when they are at home,” he said.

“They have a lot of options, they can play with Isco, (Marco) Asensio or James (Rodriguez) in their starting lineup which they will consider.

“They will try to hurt us especially in the beginning of the game with the intensity of those players, plus the atmosphere and the pressure.

“From that moment on, we will have to be strong and make the match as comfortable for us as possible.”