Carvajal: "I think there could be a feeling of revenge"

Dani Carvajal spoke to UEFA.com ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón.

UEFA.com: Madrid are up against neighbours Atlético in the quarter-finals. What is it like to play against a team you are so familiar with at this stage of the competition?

Dani Carvajal: We have faced them a few times already this season, but now it's a knockout match and it will be different. I think the Champions League is something special, which changes the approach a bit. It will be very special, it will be a difficult tie, and both teams will be trying their best to progress.

UEFA.com: Last year's final triumph against Atlético was a historic moment for Madrid. How much will the result of that match impact on this fixture?

Carvajal: From Atletico's point of view it could be like an opportunity for revenge – they were so close to winning it last season, but in the end it was us celebrating. So this could be a special tie because of that final last season.

UEFA.com: How do you feel both sides have improved since the final in Lisbon last year?

Carvajal: Both teams have had highs and lows [in terms of injuries], I guess, but that is normal in football – you never have exactly the same players facing each other. But I think both sides are going into this tie in a good moment: we have played well in our last two or three games; they have been doing well too. They are third in the table and have got a lot of points, so it will be an exciting but also difficult tie.

UEFA.com: What would it mean to you for Madrid to become the first club to retain the UEFA Champions League title?

Carvajal: That would be another record for Real Madrid in an already successful history in the competition. And it's a special objective we are aiming for, to win the Champions League again. But first we have to take it step by step, play the first leg of the quarter-final at the Vicente Calderón, and try to get a good result to take into the home return.

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