Real Madrid Will Find It Difficult Against 'Improved' Atletico Madrid - Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa has opined on Saturday's derby match with Atletico Madrid, and believes that los Rojiblancos' poor start to the season is not a true reflection of the quality at their disposal.

The former Liverpool defender added that Atletico have improved since Quique Sanchez Flores took charge, and los Merengues will have to be especially well-organised if they are to pick up three points at the Vicente Calderon.

"I've played once against Atletico Madrid and we won 3-0," Arbeloa told Real Madrid's official website.

"It was a tough game, they had a lot of chances and Fernando Torres had a great match. We had Ronaldo and [Luis] Figo, we had three chances and scored three goals.

"I'm sure it will be difficult. Anyone who knows Quique knows that he is a great coach, that his teams are very reliable and are very well worked. We've noticed that, with the little things he has brought, Atletico have improved a lot.

"We will have to be very orderly and play close together because I'm sure it will be a hard game for the defence.

"I'm concerned about all the attacking players. They are fantastic footballers who have pace, quality, imagination and self-belief. If we are not focused then they will punish us.

"Defensively they have improved, and the Calderon will have a special atmosphere. It will be a difficult match for us," he concluded.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com