Juande Ramos: "The game was always open"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J.O'Donnell

Juande Ramos analysed the derby for the press.

"We needed a victory in order for our streak to continue. We faced a complicated opponent and the game was always open; both teams could have won. We could have taken the lead early on. Robben, Marcelo and others had chances on goal and the game would have been very different if they had scored. Atletico could have won the game with their counterattacks."

"Atletico always play like this because they have fast and dangerous men in attack. The necessity to win a game forces you to attack. Tonight reminded me of a King's Cup game; victory is all that counts in that championship."

"I took Raul off because I wanted to freshen up our attack with Van der Vaart's brilliant set piece skills. We had chances to win the game. Guti hasn't played 90 straight minutes in a long time. He isn't as fit as the rest and I decided to substitute him. I wanted the team to have more physical drive."

"We were able to reduce the distance with Barcelona in eight points in just a couple of weeks, so I believe we can do the same now that the distance between us is six points. The difference is just two games. There are 12 matches left in La Liga, but we must now concentrate on our Anfield game. It will be a tough and thrilling encounter and my men are anxious to make the fans happy."

Real Madrid Official Website