Kiko and Morientes build up to the first Madrid derby of the season

LaLiga ambassadors Kiko and Fernando Morientes, who donned the colours of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively, both know all too well just what it means to play in the derby involving the two giants from the Spanish capital. With Saturday's fixture fast approaching, the former forwards took part in an event organised by TAG Heuer, LaLiga's official sponsor and timekeeper, in which they underwent the Pressure Test, a quiz in which they proved how much they know about LaLiga, before looking ahead to the big match. 

The former Rojiblancos attacker is confident Diego Simeone's side can get the win and hopes the Vicente Calderon has a key role to play: "I think Real Madrid will feel they've got to win, but I still consider Atletico to be very slight favourites, given we have home advantage. If one team have a lot at stake in this game, it's Atletico Madrid." Kiko reminisced fondly on his playing days, admitting that he misses the thrill of being right in the thick of the action: "I wish I could play in the last derby at the Calderon and still be actively involved, especially as if that were the case, I'd have been able to enjoy the recent run of victories even more. I never actually managed to beat Real Madrid as a player. You always dream about experiencing these types of matches when everyone is watching you." 

Morientes was the LaLiga ambassador chosen by TAG Heuer to give the Real Madrid point of view on the derby, as an ex-Merengues star. In contrast to Kiko, he does not feel that either side have the edge going into Saturday's showdown: "I don't see Atletico as favourites, but I do believe that they've got more riding on it. There are only three points up for grabs but if Real Madrid win, it could have big repercussions, because the gap between the two teams would be considerable." 

Like Kiko, Morientes featured in several Madrid derbies, although he has no doubt about which one brings back the fondest memories: "It'd have to be the first one I played in, at the Calderon. We lost 3-1, but it was my first derby and it was really something else. I used to watch those games at home, so to take part in one and score the equaliser was special." 

Neither LaLiga ambassador sat on the fence when asked which player they would sign for their respective former clubs from their local rivals if they had the chance. Kiko picked Casemiro, while Morientes opted for Diego Godin. 

Blanca Panzano, TAG Heuer's general manager for Spain, joined the two legends at the event and commented: "This is our first year as LaLiga's official timekeeper. The football world is new for us but we've been linked to the sports world for a long time and it's a very important factor for our brand." 

LaLiga offered fans the chance to enjoy Kiko and Morientes's derby build-up live through Facebook. The video can be watched on LaLiga's timeline, at https://www.facebook.com/LaLiga/videos/1168596993176858/.