
Real Madrid and La Liga champions Atletico meet again at the Santiago Bernabeu for the third time already this season with Atletico having emerged victorious over two legs in the Spanish Super Cup last month.
Los Blancos' victory over Atletico in the Champions League final in Lisbon meant both teams from the capital ended the season happy.
But Atletico boss Diego Simeone claimed his side's triumph in breaking Real and Barca's hegemony of the Spanish title was the greater achievement.
"For me to win the league is as good as it gets because it is what the fans live day-by-day," Simeone told Argentine newspaper Clarin.
"A league is 38 games competing against two enormously powerful teams. To maintain their rhythm is almost impossible and we managed to do it."
Meanwhile, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Cristiano Ronaldo is over the worst of his recent injury problems and is ready to make a return on Saturday.
"Ronaldo is in top shape,” he said. “He has trained very well this week and I think he is in optimal condition.”
Barca looking to continue winning momentum
Earlier on Saturday, Barcelona will look to continue their 100% start to the new season when they host Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou.
Much of the build-up to the game has been surrounded by off-field political issues as Barca will unusually wear their red and gold striped away shirt, the same colours as the Catalan flag, to commemorate the region's loss of sovereignty 300 years ago.
However, Luis Enrique's men should be raring to go on the field as Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Leo Messi all pulled out of their international commitments due to minor injuries and are expected to return.
Attacking midfielder Rafinha has been one of those to benefit from Barca's early-season struggles with injuries and suspensions as he has started both league wins to date.
And he insisted he welcomes the competition of competing against some of the best players in the world for a place in the side.
"For me it is a privilege to have these players as teammates," said Rafinha.
"To be able to play when the best players in the world are in your squad is a great source of pride.
"It is very difficult to play for this Barca side, but I feel more joy than pressure. To have players like Iniesta and Xavi as teammates is a luxury and I have to learn from them."
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