Xabi Alonso: 'Madrid derby always intense'

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that he was not surprised that Sunday's clash with Atletico Madrid was an ill-tempered affair.

A number of altercations occurred during the 2-2 draw at the Vicente Calderon, but Alonso has said that "all matches" against their rivals "are very intense".

"The game was very rough with lots of fouls, lots of complaints, but that's nothing new here. You have to take it in your stride," he told Marca.

"And we know we have to put up with that when we come to the Calderon or when they come to us. All the matches against them are very intense."

Real Madrid have not been beaten in any competition since the end of October 2013.