Captain Gabi believes his Atletico side can take a major step towards securing a top-two finish in La Liga by winning the Madrid derby against Real next weekend.
Atleti head into Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu with a four-point cushion over their more illustrious city rivals, with just eight games to be played in the Spanish league season.
And former Spain Under-21 international midfielder Gabi is looking forward to a showdown which offers a major opportunity to move well clear in the battle to finish in second place behind Barcelona.
He told Marca: "The clash next Sunday is crucial in the race for second spot.
"Our aim this season is to secure second spot - we enter every season hoping to guarantee a top-three finish, but second is a bonus which is now within our reach.
"Since Diego Simeone came to the club we look to challenge the very best sides in the league and of course we dream of repeating our league title from four years ago.
"However, it is hard to see Barcelona slipping up so much."
Atleti can be backed at 29/10 to gain a draw next Sunday and are 5/1 to win by a one-goal margin, while Real are 7/1 to claim a 2-1 victory.
Earlier this season the spoils were shared when the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.
View all Soccer betting
Captain Gabi believes his Atletico side can take a major step towards securing a top-two finish in La Liga by winning the Madrid derby against Real next weekend.
Atleti head into Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu with a four-point cushion over their more illustrious city rivals, with just eight games to be played in the Spanish league season.
And former Spain Under-21 international midfielder Gabi is looking forward to a showdown which offers a major opportunity to move well clear in the battle to finish in second place behind Barcelona.
He told Marca: "The clash next Sunday is crucial in the race for second spot.
"Our aim this season is to secure second spot - we enter every season hoping to guarantee a top-three finish, but second is a bonus which is now within our reach.
"Since Diego Simeone came to the club we look to challenge the very best sides in the league and of course we dream of repeating our league title from four years ago.
"However, it is hard to see Barcelona slipping up so much."
Atleti can be backed at 29/10 to gain a draw next Sunday and are 5/1 to win by a one-goal margin, while Real are 7/1 to claim a 2-1 victory.
Earlier this season the spoils were shared when the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com