"I do not envy anything of Real Madrid's. I have an excellent group. Of course, recognizing that they're a big rival, they're the leaders and ten points between us is a big gap. It is necessary to be serious and respectful, but to aim to win."
Aguirre is confident of a big game from star striker Sergio Aguero.
"He goes into this derby at the top of his game. He is on an upward curve.
"Real Madrid have a strong defence and we will have to be at our best to pierce them. They often defend with eleven men behind the ball, just 40 metres from their goal - even if they have Raul and Ruud van Nistelrooy on the field."