The goalkeeper, on loan at the Vicente Calderon
for a third successive season, insists the side can replicate May's cup
victory in Saturday's derby
Diego Simeone's men conquered the Blancos in last season's Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabeu and the Belgium star sees no reason why Atleti cannot bag another win at their arch-rivals' ground.
"We have a great team and we know how to beat them," Courtois told reporters on Thursday. "It is three points more, it is another final. As a footballer, I never play to draw a game, but to win.
"Can we maintain our current form? There are players who will have good moments and others who will not, but I think that the whole team can maintain the current level. The team is still good with one or with the other."
The addition of €100 million man Gareth Bale does not strike fear into Courtois, who revealed he has been given tips from Tottenham players on how to save his set pieces, and he is well aware of Cristiano Ronaldo's quality from dead ball situations.
The 21-year-old added: "In goal I am always worried when they go to take a free kick, but you learn in discussions and through videos of the players.
"With Belgium I have come up against Bale, while some friends who play at Tottenham have told me how he hits his free kicks. I am into my third year in La Liga and I already know how fantastic Cristiano’s free kicks can be.
"But, Koke can take free kicks too and takes very good corners, which are a danger to any team."
Atletico have started 2013-14 in excellent style, winning all six of their opening six Liga matches to sit behind reigning champions Barcelona on goal difference and two points ahead of Real Madrid. ------------------------ goal.com
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