Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos and Rayo Vallecano's Jose Casado were both born in 1986 and played for Sevilla's reserve side together. Both men sat together at Rayo's stadium a couple of days before facing each other in Sunday's derby.

Casado: It seems like it was only yesterday. Those were beautiful and happy years.

Ramos: I see you more than I see my own family! We came from a very good group of players and some were even better than us. We won many titles and have fond memores. We felt like a family and had some great moments together.

Jose really stood out. He covered a lot of ground and scored goals. He was always telling jokes but he was also quite private, and he always used to get a bit angry if we teased him.

Casado: Sergio was a leader in spirit. He had great character and guided us through games. I remember he once told me after an injury that he had become afraid to play football.

Ramos: It was rough for me and I thought about quitting football. I was down then, but I pulled through and saw my dream come true. I've always had character, so that's why he was shocked when I said that. I used to be the one who raised my teammates' spirits and fought for them.

Casado: Sunday's match is going to be a great clash. It's goping to be emotional and exciting. Real Madrid show the same respect towards all teams, and that's why they have a ten-point lead. They are the table toppers and play as a true team, but we'll fight for the three points with the support of our fans.

Ramos: It's a Madrid derby and we're very happy Rayo are in the First Division. We have the greatest respect for them and they deserve credit to be where they are right now.

Casado: Mourinho has won every title with different teams. He's ambitious and is having a great run this year.

Ramos: Your coach is inspirational and is having a great season. People are aware Rayo can win their games and that has a lot of merit. I very much like the squad you have, but men like Javi, Cory and strikers Michu and Costa do the team a lot of good.

Casado: Real Madrid's squad is spectacular. From the goalkeeper down, they are all hard working football stars. They have an excellent defence and Ronaldo is up front. If Benzema doesn't play Higuain takes his place, if Di Maria is out Kaka steps in... Everyone wants to face these players.

Ramos: You better be ready! (both laugh)

Casado: Sergio is the mirror of what he was back in the day. He's won it all at 25 and will break all records. I believe he will eventually be regarded as the best centre back Spain has ever had.

Ramos: I'm very happy to see Jose having such a good season and I hope he still does. His hard work will land him a contract with a major team, I'm sure.

Casado: Real Madrid have a ten-point lead and I don't see them losing four games. They will fight to win the league and the UCL.

Ramos: Rayo came from the bottom and everyone likes them. I hope they take enough points to make it to the Europa League next season, but I hope they start taking them from Monday onwards!