Atletico Madrid playmaker Diego concedes it would be a "surprise" if the Rojiblancos ended its Real Madrid hoodoo in tomorrow's derby at the Bernabeu.
Atletico has not beaten its city rivals for 12 years and Brazil international Diego was not exuding confidence when asked about the visitor's chances of overcoming Jose Mourinho's table-toppers this weekend.
He told the AS newspaper: "To win at the Bernabeu would be a surprise at this point given our away form.
"Real are unbeaten at home and it would be a surprise win, but that's football.
"We have to respect them because they are the favourites and very strong but we will try to make it a great game.
"The derby is much more intense and it will be a special game."
Real is three points clear of defending champion Barcelona and has won its last 12 games in all competitions - including a 6-2 mauling of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League in midweek.
It is a tough assignment for an Atletico side who have taken just one point from five away fixtures in the Primera Division this season.
Diego added: "We are going to play the best team in the league but we have confidence in our quality and will go to the Bernabeu looking to play a great match.
"We have to fight hard and show character to prove we are a good team.
"We must be focused because if we make a mistake they will punish us."
Real's Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is demanding his side play with "fast, aggressive pressure" as the leader seeks to maintain their place at the top.
The former Stuttgart man, who has won four out of four Madrid derbies after moving to Spain, told bwin.com: "A derby is always complicated and we have to concentrate, play with fast, aggressive pressure and move the ball quickly to win.
"Atletico Madrid have a very strong team but if we can stay compact in defence I am convinced we will win this match.
"Anything else would be a disappointment because we are hoping to continue this streak of consecutive wins in the derby."
Alvaro Arbeloa and Kaka are likely to be missing for Real but Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho could return.
Atletico suffered a blow ahead of the derby with Falcao being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The Colombia international has netted nine times for Atletico since his club-record 40million euros move from Porto this summer.
Also absent from a 19-man Rojiblancos squad are Antonio Lopez, Tiago, Silvio and Diego Costa through injury.
