Rafa Benítez, Real Madrid head coach, looked ahead to Sunday's derby against Atlético (8:30pm CEST) in the Real Madrid City press room: "Above all else, this game is going to be filled with character and passion, as you'd expect from a derby. They're a good team. They're well organised, play with intensity and have plenty of quality. We know it's going to be very tough and that we'll need to respond to them with character and personality, try to play our football and continue doing things as we have been up until now, which has allowed us to pick up good results".

"Our plan going into this game is to win. That can be achieved through different means. By pushing forward, being patient... Atlético are a great side, a great club and they've been doing really well over the last few years. We know we're up against a great team, one that is very well managed, and there's the extra incentive of this being a derby game. We have faith in our abilities, we're really focused but so too are they".

Team's form

"I think the team are in good shape. I always say there are things that can be improved. The high spirits and statistics indicate that things are going well and that we're on the right path. We need to continue improving, but we're at a high level at the moment. The key to this encounter will depend on whether or not Atleti play an open game. Whether they decide to press us high up the pitch or sit back. They are an extremely compact team that play as a unit. It kind of depends on what strategy they employ. We have a clear picture of what we have to do, but it will depend a little bit on how they approach the match”.

Ramos and Bale

"Both of them trained and, as such, they're both in the squad. We'll decide the starting line-up tomorrow, as it's still a bit early for that. They're both available to play as they've each been given the all clear by the medics. Another thing to consider is match fitness, but like I've said before, players can make up for a lack of competition time with their talent".

"I've spoken with Gareth and Sergio and both of them are fine. Players are always keen and excited to play. I'm still taking stock of things and won't make my decision until tomorrow. I don't have the perfect Real Madrid team, I have a Real Madrid team that looks to win each game with the best available players. What matters is that Sergio and Gareth can start playing again soon so I'll have more players and more talent competing within the squad".

James

"After the midweek trip we had a training session on Thursday. He got a knock in the area where he's carrying the injury and it caused him some problems. He won't be ready for this match; he's not fit for it. Fortunately, the Colombian national team's doctor and manager are in Madrid and our doctors has given them all the information. He can't play".

"The aim was to get him back to fitness ASAP. It was a case of checking his fitness and making an assessment, but he didn't pass the test. I think he'll be ready by the end of the anticipated timeframe but for now he's unavailable. The doctors have a clear understanding of the situation. He's not ready to play with us and it's almost certain, although it still hasn't been confirmed, that he won't be able to play with his national team".

Cristiano

"Cristiano's numbers are there for everyone to see, I hope we have him for many years to come. I was the first to congratulate him and I hope he can continue scoring loads of goals because that will be good for him and for us. It's very important that he is part of Real Madrid's folklore and it's important that he keeps scoring goals and winning titles so he can keep adding to his legendary status".

Counter-attacking

"It's a strategy we could employ depending on how the game pans out. If they sit back, we'll have to control the possession of the ball and prevent them from hitting us on the break. But they're capable of doing a lot of things well, playing attack-minded football and not allowing us to get a hold of the ball. We're preparing for different scenarios, we can't go there with a rigid plan".

Recent derbies

"Each season, each team and each moment is different. Our team are doing well at the moment but that has nothing to do with the past. It will be a tough match. I wouldn't change any of my players for any of theirs. I'm very happy with my team and what I want is for my players to give it their all. I'm not going to make any assessments about the opposition or their manager, who has been doing an excellent job and has demonstrated that".

Defeats

"My opinion about the opposition won't be swayed by a few results. This is a derby match and we know it's going to be difficult. That is the message I'm putting across to my players. Atlético have a lot of quality, they're well drilled and they're going to give us a very tough game".

Malmö

"We tried to play our game and move the ball around. We have alternative ways of playing, like hitting teams on the break and passing the ball around. The strength of a team stems from its ability to adapt. If the opposition play compact at the back, we can control the ball, and if they leave us space to exploit, we can capitalise on that".

Derby

"The first bonus I got as a Real Madrid player for drawing with Atlético Madrid was 50 pesetas. I know what the derby means. It's a different kind of game, there's more at stake and the atmosphere is electric. Hopefully it will be a great game and a footballing spectacle".

Kroos and Kovacic

"Toni played well the other day. He got involved and worked hard. He's in good shape physically. His fitness is more or less ok, the other day he was fine. Luckily for me I have a number of players to choose from. It can make things tricky at times but that's how I like it".