On the eve of the Madrid derby, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is in good spirits, believing that his side now dine at the same table as their cross town rivals.
Since the Copa Del Rey final win back in 2013 over Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the balance of power has swung in favour of the Rojiblancos, something not lost on El Cholo.
"Atletico have reversed the trend," he said at his pre-match press conference.
"It's true that we were once inferior to Real Madrid, but now we are competing at the same level."
Saturday's game is one that Atleti have to win to realistically keep themselves in the title hunt.
Another loss would put them nine points behind Los Blancos which, whilst not insurmountable, would be difficult to bridge.
"We know the strengths and weaknesses of Real Madrid," he continued.
"They have handled the absence of Casemiro well because they're still winning.
"We must know how to control our own emotions and be together to be able to perform, because we perfectly well understand what we need from this game."
Home advantage could be crucial and the coach wants the supporters right behind his team.
"I hope that the stadium will be the same as always because we need the 12th man," he said.
Two players who could affect the outcome are Luka Modric and Antoine Griezmann, both of whom have been passed fit.
"Modric is the player who combines the offensive and defensive balance of Real Madrid," Cholo noted.
"Griezmann? He is okay, today he's been treated again but he's okay."
