Atletico Madrid Is A Very Important Game - Real Madrid Striker Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has insisted that Saturday's derby showdown with Atletico Madrid is a "very important game" for his side as they look to maintain their title challenge with a win in their final Primera Liga tie before the international break next week.

"We hope to continue the good streak. Saturday is a very important game for us because if we win we would go into the international break in a good mood," he told AS.

Higuain's first ever goal for Los Blancos came against Atletico in a 1-1 draw at the Vicente Calderon stadium in February 2007 and the striker believes that stadium reminds him of the stadia at home in Argentina, which gives him extra motivation to do well.

"The atmosphere, the pitch, the people, the Calderon stadium is like an Argentine stadium. It makes me remember Argentinian football and gives me more motivation to play and if we can win, even better," he remarked.

The 21-year-old acknowledged that his side must take advantage of Atleti's poor start to the season and demonstrate their own desire to continue winning.

"Atletico are not in one of their best moments and it is important to take advantage because, frankly, we are a point behind leaders and this would be a very important victory. We hope to take advantage of them not being at their best. They will want to play their game and win, but we must face them and go to show that [Real] Madrid wants to go there and fight and we must win," Higuain declared.

Paul Madden, Goal.com