Tomas Ujfalusi was a barrier in the ‘rojiblanco’ defence against Norwegian side Rosenborg. The Czech, who will play at centre-back against Real Madrid, highlighted that he feels prepared and hungry after passing the most recent test at Lerkendal Stadion. The ‘rojiblanco’ defender said that “we hadn’t won a match like that in a while, without playing well. The most important thing was to earn the three points. Now we have to think about beating Aris to earn mathematical qualification. We took an important step in Tronheim.”

The Czech acknowledged that the team wasn’t very sharp against Rosenborg. “We had them under control in the first half but then we lost lots of balls in the second half and that’s something that we have to improve on. We can’t let that happen against a more skilled opponent because they can cause you more damage. We have to get better.”

In addition to the three points won against Rosenborg, the victory comes at an ideal time as the squad prepares for Sunday’s fixture, the classic against Real Madrid. “Obviously, winning has boosted our morale for the derby. We have to rest well to get ready for the big match on Sunday. Derbies are different games. I’ve experienced many in Germany, Italy and here in Spain. You have to take the pitch very prepared.”

If he has to play at centre-half, it doesn’t preoccupy him. “I think that I’ll play in the middle of the defence because we have the absences of Perea through suspension and Godín, who just had an appendicitis operation. I’m ready for whatever the coach asks me to do.”

Concerning where the key to the derby might lie, he has no doubts. “It will be in defence. If the entire squad defends well, we’ll surely have chances to score goals and play the match as we want.”

Atlético de Madrid beat Rosenborg, a team that hadn’t lost at home in two years. Now the goal is to defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. “The truth is that Mourinho hasn’t lost with any of his teams at home in many years. But it always has to come some day.”