PREVIEW: Real approach Madrid derby match in good heart

Real Madrid are approaching Saturday's derby match against neighbours Atletico in good heart as a result of Wednesday's 3-0 thrashing of Lyon.

   The whites are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2004, and intend to celebrate on Saturday by beating Atletico yet again.

   Astonishingly, Atletico have not beaten their illustrious neighbours since 1999, but they are hoping that Jose Mourinho's team will be tired after they Lyon showdown.

   Veteran striker Diego Forlan said: "The games against Real are always something special, there is more motivation, particularly when we play them at home."

   He added that "a bad run of results always finishes soon or later, this will happen one day. They are a good team, but we are not afraid of them."

   Forlan - who scored both goals in last season's Europa League final against Fulham - has become unpopular with the Atletico fans recently because he has admitted that he may leave if a better offer comes along.

   "When I am asked about my future I always give an honest answer, and this is why some people criticize me," said the 31 year-old.

   Atletico need to win not only to restore some local pride, but also to get close to the European places. They are currently eight, and coach Quique Sanchez Flores is in jeopardy.

   Real are five points behind leaders Barcelona, who are at home to Getafe earlier on Saturday.

   Before the match the Camp Nou and the players will pay tribute to Barca defender Eric Abidal, who will miss the rest of the season due to a tumour on the liver.

   "This is the worst moment that I have ever been through in a dressing-room," said a tearful Xavi on Wednesday, after Abidal have come in to explain his situation to his team-mates.

   The Abidal situation will stretch Barca's defensive resources because captain Carles Puyol is still injured and left-back Maxwell has a pulled muscle. This means that veteran Gabriel Milito will have to play alongside Gerard Pique in central defence and Adriano at left-back.

   The first game on Saturday will see Mallorca at home to revitalized Zaragoza.

   The big game on Sunday will bring together two troubled giants. Valencia and Sevilla. Valencia are third, Sevilla seventh.

   Meanwhile, fourth-placed Villarreal will travel to Bilbao, whilst Deportivo Coruna take on Levante and Malaga receive Espanyol. Also on Sunday, Hercules face Osasuna, Racing Santander receive Real Sociedad and Sporting Gijon take on Almeria.