Football: High-flying Atletico seeking Real scal

MADRID: If coach Diego Simeone was not already a hero to Atletico Madrid fans, victory in tomorrow's La Liga clash at bitter city rivals Real Madrid for the first time in more than a decade might just tip the balance. The Europa League champions are three points behind leaders Barcelona after 13 matches. A win or even a draw could spell the end of Real's hopes of a second straight La Liga title and captain Iker Casillas is well aware of what is at stake. "It is a different match from previous seasons," said Casillas. "They are coming to the Santiago Bernabeu with a very strong team. We hoped that there would be less of distance between us, but hopefully at the end of the match that advantage will be cut to five points. Any aim other than winning is no good for us."

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2012.