Real Madrid

On Saturday, the derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the First Division will turn 78. Real Madrid have won 74 times against Atletico and lost only 35. According to a study by news agency EFE, Real Madrid have scored 247 goals against the Rojiblancos. The Madridistas also won the last four games they played at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.

Saturday 24 February will be the exact 78 year anniversary of the first derby between Atletico and Real Madrid in the League. According the Spanish League's official website, on 24 February 1929 both teams played the first Madrid derby of the competition at Chamartín Stadium. The Whites won 2-1 with goals by Triana. Atletico's goal was scored by Marín.

Since then, both teams have played 139 derbys in the First Division. Real Madrid's number of victories in these passionate matches more than doubles the Rojiblanco's. Saturday will see yet another of these classic duels and past figures favour Real Madrid: they have won 74 derbys and scored 247 goals, Atletico have won 35 and scored 190 goals and both teams have drawn thirty times in the First Division.

Figures are very even when it comes to matches played at the Vicente Calderón Stadium: the Rojiblancos have defeated Real Madrid at home 23 times, the Whites have won 27 games and both teams have drawn 19 times.

The last few encounters between both teams speak in favour of the Madridistas, especially those played at the Vicente Calderón. The Whites have won their past four games in Atletico's feud. They won 3-0 in the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, 2-1 in the 2003/04 season and 4-0 in the 2002/03 season. The last time Atletico won the derby as hosts was on 12 June 1999. They defeated the Whites 3-1 thanks to goals by José Mari, Jordi Lardín and Juninho. Fernando Morientes -who is currently at Valencia- scored Real Madrid's only goal.

A few months later, on 30 November 1999, Atletico fans enjoyed their team's last victory over Real Madrid to date: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and José Mari paved their team's way to a 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

This Saturday's derby will be the tightest the competition has seen in years. Only a three point difference separates both sides on the League table. The match will prove decisive for Real Madrid to distance themselves even further from their eternal rivals.