Losing Madrid derby wouldn't end La Liga hopes: Diego Godin

Madrid: Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin said that losing Saturday's 'derby' against Real Madrid would not entail his team giving up in the race to win the coveted Spanish La Liga championship.

At a press conference Wednesday, the Uruguayan defender explained: "We aspire to win and gain some points off Real, reducing the gap. But losing will not change our goal. Losing the game is not saying goodbye to the title."

"There are still a lot of games left in the competition," said the Uruguayan player.

"Real Madrid also has some complicated clashes ahead, including the 'Clasico' against Barcelona. The league will be resolved at the end of the season," Godin added.

Real Madrid is on top of La Liga's standings with 54 points, four points ahead of Barcelona and seven points ahead of Atletico, the current champions.

Godin said he expected Real to give their best performance in the derby, which will mark the return of Cristiano Ronaldo after a two-game suspension.