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Gareth Bale: No Atletico player would make Real's first XI

Raul Garcia vies with Gareth Bale
Image: Gareth Bale and Real Madrid go up against Atletico in Milan on Saturday night

​Gareth Bale has claimed that none of Atletico Madrid's players would make it into Real Madrid's first team.

The two clubs meet in the Champions League final on Saturday - the second time in three years that Europe's top club competition has been settled with a Madrid derby.

Bale scored in Real's 4-1 extra-time win in Lisbon in 2014 - the victory which gave them 'La Decima', the prized 10th European Cup.

And although Atletico finished just two points behind Real in La Liga this season, Bale believes not one of Diego Simeone's side would get into the Real starting XI

"For me, no Atletico player would feature in Real Madrid's team," said Bale, speaking to Spanish media. "Real Madrid are better in all positions."

Bale is anticipating a tough game against what he called a "physical" Atletico team, adding: "It will be difficult but we will fight until the final minute for the win.

Gareth Bale (R) kicks a ball against Atletico Madrid's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblakng the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match
Image: Bale in action against Atletico in last season's Champions League quarter-final

"We know that we can do it, we're confident, but it will be a difficult match against a great team like Atletico. 

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"We have to be patient because they defend very well. We must wait for our chance and when we create them, be accurate in front of goal.

Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid against Manchester City
Image: Bale scored the clinching goal for Real against Manchester City in last month's semi-final

"I feel good and I'm really looking forward to Saturday. The team is calm, enjoying training and working hard. We think we can win and we'll try to lift the 'Undecima'.

"I've scored goals in finals, but I don't know what the secret to it is. In a final, everyone looks to give the best of themselves and I hope on Saturday I can get a goal and it's enough to win the title. We must thank the fans for their support and what I want is to win the Champions League to make the fans happy". 

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