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MADRID. – Real Madrid make the short trip across the Spanish capital to face rivals Atletico tomorrow seeking revenge for their 4-0 humiliation at the Vicente Calderon in the league last season. Their biggest defeat in a Madrid derby in 27 years precipitated a Real collapse as they surrendered a commanding lead in the La Liga title race that allowed eternal rivals Barcelona to claim a historic treble of league, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa sparked tensions ahead of the biggest La Liga game of the season to date by claiming the derby remains the biggest game of the season for Atletico. “We know that the game on Sunday is always the game of the year for Atletico and we will have to play well,” the former Liverpool man warned after Real saw off Malmo 2-0 in the Champions League in midweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo took his career tally to 501 goals with a double in Sweden and moved level with Raul as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process with 323. And the Portuguese would love the vindication of breaking the record at the Calderon after the criticism he received for hosting his 30th birthday party just hours after the 4-0 defeat back in February.

Atletico’s early-season optimism has been diminished by back-to-back defeats against Villarreal and Benfica in the past week. Diego Simeone’s men were beaten at home in the Champions League for the first time since 2009 by the Portuguese champions on Wednes- day. “In these moments it is normal that the team isn’t happy due to the defeat,” said Simeone.

Atletico also have reason to seek revenge as they were eliminated from the Champions League for the second consecutive season by Madrid in their last meeting back in April. However, that defeat ended a seven-game unbeaten run against Real. Real boss Rafael Benitez may be able to recall the injured trio of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos, who have all missed the past four games. – AFP.