Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says past victories over Atletico Madrid will count for nothing when they meet in the Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says past victories over Atletico
Madrid will count for nothing when they meet in the Champions League
semi-final.
Real beat their neighbours on penalties in last season's final - and had a 4-1 extra-time win in the 2014 showpiece.
"It's a completely different tie and they will be doing their utmost to go through as well," said Zidane.
Real forward Gareth Bale is absent with a calf injury and Atletico full-back Juanfran is out with a thigh problem.
Zidane, who succeeded Rafael Benitez in January 2016, is aiming for a La Liga and Champions League double in his first full season in charge at the Bernabeu.
The
last time Real, level on points with league leaders Barcelona with one
game in hand, were crowned champions of Spain and Europe in the same
season was 1957-58.
Yet Zidane said his side must pass two huge
tests if they are to book their place in the Champions League final in
Cardiff on 3 June.
"Atletico always gives us a hard game," said the former France midfielder.
"The
strength they have is that they never give up, no matter what happens.
They fight, battle, they know their strengths and use them as best they
can.
"In the past four or five years they have been a very good side that have improved every year.
"What
happened in the past is in the past, we can't rely on that now. The
extra motivation comes from it being a Champions League semi-final."
Diego
Simeone has one win in four games against Real Madrid since Zinedine
Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez at the Bernabeu in January 2016
'Atletico hit by injuries'
Atletico's preparations for a 14th match in three seasons against Real have been badly hit by injuries.
They
are without three defenders - Uruguay centre-back Jose Gimenez (groin),
former Real right-back Juanfran (thigh) and Croatia full-back Sime
Vrsaljko (hip).
Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco is doubtful with a collarbone injury.
Atletico
boss Diego Simeone said he was confident his side would produce a
performance to make him proud whatever team he put out.
"I never tire of praising these players, they are incredible," he added.
Atletico, who are third in the table, have taken just one point off Real in two league games this season.
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