){kind=small}
Premier){kind=logo}
NEW
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=small}
MCI
){kind=logo}
LEI
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=logo}
IPS
){kind=logo}
SOU
){kind=small}
CRY
){kind=small}
LIV
){kind=logo}
EVE
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=logo}
TOT
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
NICE
){kind=small}
FCN
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
GEN
){kind=small}
UDI
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
ESP
){kind=small}
ARS
){kind=small}
GIR
){kind=logo}
ALA
){kind=small}
MON
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=logo}
HDH
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=logo}
SCF
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=logo}
BOC
){kind=logo}
VFB
){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSK
){kind=small}
WHU
)
Diego Forlan believes that the Madrid derby has become an important global spectacle but has retained the same fire from his days.
Ahead of the highly anticipated second Madrid derby of the season between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, former striker Diego Forlan shared his perspective on how the derby has changed over time in a conversation with Pulse Sports Nigeria.
During his four years at Atlético, Forlan, who previously played for Villarreal, participated in eight Madrid derbies, experiencing seven defeats.
)
08:00 - 08.02.2025
One of the best in history - Forlan reveals Sir Alex Ferguson's secrets to motivating Man United players
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan reflects on Sir Alex Ferguson's motivational impact at the club.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
)
18:00 - 06.02.2025
Cristiano Ronaldo brands Marcelo his brother: Al Nassr star on retirement of Real Madrid legend
Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo brands Real Madrid legend Marcelo and former teammate his brother following his retirement.
Despite the challenges, Forlan amassed impressive statistics during his time with the red side of Madrid. He played 198 matches, scored 96 goals, and provided 31 assists.
He also clinched the La Liga top scorer title in 2008/09 with 32 goals and finished fifth in the Ballon d'Or in 2010.
)
Forlan noted the key differences between the derbies of his time and the modern era following a question by Pulse Sports.
"The difference in derbies? They were spectacular derbies in our days, they had great players back in both Real Madrid and Atletico teams," he explained.
)
He noted the impact of technology in amplifying the derby's global reach: "And today, the magnitude and repercussions are greater nowadays because of technology - it is watched all over the world.”
“So, as we say, football is watched everywhere so the repercussion is greater (now) which makes it a lot more important."
)
Despite the increased global attention, the 45-year-old, who spoke in a Zoom call, believes the core experience remains consistent.
"But the experience when you are in the dressing room, whether in the Real Madrid one or Atletico, I don't think the situation we experience in the dressing room is any different now than it was in my day,” he added.
)
“And you know the scoop of the derby those days is different than you had years ago. That's the situation.”
Since Diego Simeone took charge of Atletico, the team's fortunes in the derby have improved. In the 41 derbies played since then, the club has secured 12 wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses.
While the club struggled to compete during Forlan’s days, Simeone's arrival has helped restore the balance, with the club set to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s men on Saturday confident of leaving the Bernabeu with something positive.
Atletico are unbeaten in the last three meetings between the two teams, with two draws and a win.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)