Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has hit out at the media's labelling of his team's playing style as violent ahead of the crunch Madrid derby on Saturday.

Diego Simeone's side have kept in touch with the top two in Spain but the defeat against Barcelona last month means they are now seven points adrift of Real Madrid.

They were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by Barcelona, and criticism of their "physical" style of play has resurfaced ahead of the showdown with Real.

Atletico ended the quarter-final defeat with nine men after Gabi and Mario Suarez were sent off, but Godin feels they have been unfairly treated in the media.

"Of course all this talk is tiring and we don't believe these stories. I don't know from who or where they come from," the Uruguayan said.

"We compete and we have been doing so for several years. Everything that we have won has been the result of work, effort and being committed but not violent. This talk has to stop."

Atletico were beaten in the Champions League final by Real last season but have had the better of Carlo Ancelotti's side since starting with a victory in the domestic Super Cup.

They also came out on top in the league at the Bernabeu and knocked them out of the Copa del Rey.

"When I first came here we were not able to win but now we look at the games in a special way and with optimism," added Godin.

"The dynamic has changed in the last few years. Atletico is more competitive and has been able to fight against Madrid and Barca."

Probably one of the most tactically sound teams.

Diego Simeone is the reason for their successes.