Benitez expects feisty Madrid derby

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez is expecting a tense affair when his side travels across town to take on neighbors Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.

Madrid derbies are traditionally tense affairs, although Real Madrid will think they have a chance to deliver a heavy blow to Atletico's title hopes if they can win in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Atletico have already lost in league at home to Barcelona and last weekend saw them lose 1-0 in Villarreal, so a further defeat would leave them on the ropes, although Benitez is taking nothing for granted.

"Atletico are a great team and a great club and they are doing very well and they also have the advantage that this is a derby," commented the Real Madrid coach in his pre-game press conference.

"It is going to be a game where there is a lot of passion and personality shown on the pitch and whether or not it opens up is down to tactical details. They will be organized and play with intensity and that is their virtue," said Benitez, who insisted his side would have to, "respond with character and intensity and try to play football."

Benitez confirmed James Rodriguez will miss the game with his thigh injury, but would not confirm whether Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale would start.

"I think the team is looking good. You can always improve, but the numbers show that the team is playing well and we have a positive feelings," he said, preferring to forget last season's 4-0 defeat in the Calderon.

"Every year and every team is different," commented Benitez. Endit