The Atleti defender has spoken about his team’s desire to catch the side’s city rivals and secure a top-two finish in La Liga

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has warned Real Madrid that his side are not giving up on the pursuit of their city rivals and are still aiming to finish second in La Liga.

The 27-year-old’s side currently lie third in the table, four points adrift of Jose Mourinho’s outfit in second place, but Godin believes his team have benefitted from their experiences in the upper echelons of the competition.

“We have been a regular [in the top three] and that can only be a positive thing,” he told AS.

“But we will fight until the end for second place.

“Our goal remains clear – and that is getting into next season’s Champions League.”

Godin also highlighted the threat that the side’s opponents on Sunday, Getafe, possess, with Luis Garcia’s side – lying eighth and four points behind Malaga and Real Betis – also chasing a European spot.

“It starts against Getafe, which will be a tough game. They are a rival that is fighting for Europe,” he added.