Mourinho would settle for narrow win against Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said on Friday that if he was offered the chance, he would accept a narrow win in the derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday night. Real Madrid entertain Atletico unbeaten against their neighbors in 12 years. They are top of the BBVA Primera Liga table and are looking for their 13th straight win in all competitions. Despite all of these factors favor against a side that has not won away from home this season, Mourinho remains pragmatic. "If you offered me a 1-0 win or a 2-1, I'd accept it now," he said in his pre-game press conference. "Atletico have not beaten us in 12 years, but they will win one day and it could be tomorrow, so if people think we will beat them 3 or 4-0, they are wrong," continued the Real Madrid coach, who insisted the match would have little in common with Tuesday's 6-2 home win against Dynamo Zagreb in the Champions League. "Atletico Madrid have a great squad, it may be a bit much to say they can fight for the title, because they are already too far behind, but they have a squad that is good enough to qualify for the Champions League and with more time and work, they could be title contenders. I am expecting a great rival tomorrow," said Mourinho. "When we won in Valencia last week we went on the attack, but we also had to defend, maybe Valencia will dominate the game. We will aim to go out, play well and score goals, as we always try to do," continued the Real Madrid coach. Mourinho praised midfielder Xabi Alonso, who celebrates his 30th birthday Friday, but insisted the player would not look for a booking, which would see him suspended to play in Gijon next week, but leave him free of the risk of suspension when Barcelona travel to Madrid in two weeks. He also confirmed that although Kaka is still absent with a calf injury, the Brazilian will return to full training next week.