Mario Suarez: 'Real Madrid still very strong'

Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez has insisted that his side will have to be at their best to overcome Real Madrid in the Madrid derby in La Liga next weekend.

The capital rivals have already met twice this season, with Atletico claiming the Spanish Super Cup over two legs.

However, Suarez has said that his team need to 'play the perfect game' to beat Los Blancos in their first match after the international break.

"Madrid are still playing well. They have lost important players but great players have signed. They can mix direct football with possession football. Against a team like this you can't make any mistakes," he told AS.

"For me Xabi Alonso has always been a benchmark, one of the best midfielders in the world. They have bought Toni Kroos, who is a great player. They're both very good.

"Angel di Maria is gone, but James Rodriguez is there. That's Madrid's advantage, they've been weakened but they keep fighting for everything."

Atletico have taken four points from their first two league games this season.