Filipe was not looking for excuses after losing 0-3 at El Sadar. "It was a very happy night for them, they were better. They have taken advantage of the goals, the set pieces, the second from outside the box and third goals were very low. We have not managed to get the goal to get into the game. They have a great team and they had a good game and you have to congratulate them. We have to keep working to be up there" he acknowledged.

The possible fatigue from the Champions League match has no influence at all in the match. "I think the changes and effort the other day had nothing to do with it. The team has performed well physically ever since Simeone arrived. They had a great game and they take away the points on merit. We have been overtaken in many facets. They have had 6 or 7 corners at the very beginning. It was a very difficult game for us. Now I think the derby will be very difficult" he said.

Filipe was doing well in his return to the pitch after overcoming an injury that has seen him out of the team for three weeks. "Well, I’m happy to return to the team, although saddened by the outcome. Content with my body because I endured 90 minutes. I have to improve and catch up. Now we have a long week to train and prepare well for the match against Real Madrid" he said.

The way to keep up is to continue working as usual. Against Real Madrid it will be a good chance to regain the fight for first place in the standings. "We now have the opportunity to catch them, we are only three points away. They are a giant team and it will be difficult. We are stuck up there but we know it is very difficult. At home we are very strong, and we managed to beat them and we have to continue this work to try to win," he said.