Los Blancos may have won the first Madrid derby of the season, but Raul is not counting his chickens ahead of the return fixture at the Vicente Calderon.""This is the best Atletico side in the last decade - it's reflected in their Liga standing and in their play", warned the veteran forward.
"So it will be dangerous, and we'll need to give 100% on Sunday in order to avoid surprises. They have a great squad."
Looking at the changes to the forward line in Madrid, Raul added, "[Fernando] Torres took a decision [to leave], and it's going very well. In England he's under less pressure, because here he was responsible for everything, good and bad. But this Atletico squad now has great players and made some good signings.
"They have a good atmosphere, a great coach, and play with ambition. They're back to being a big team and therefore are near the top of the table.
"Kun Aguero is a player of different class, with tremendous quality. Plus, the wings are very dangerous, and their central mdifielders come in from the back to score goals."
However, he is just as complimentary about his own team, brushing aside the recent Copa del Rey defeat to Mallorca.
"The Copa was a mere accident, because we lost on a day that we played great football," he insisted.
"Moreover, we're in a good position elsewhere. The first half of the Liga season has been good, with consistency helping us to a commanding lead.
"But there have been lots of matches of great quality, such as Villarreal, [Valencia at the] Mestalla, [Athletic Bilbao] at San Mames, and [Barcelona's] Camp Nou.
"The important thing is that the squad knows they can give a lot more, and people will enjoy our football. The wins and points say that we're the best team, but we need to be able to say the same in five month's time.
"Do we play conservative football? No. We always go out intending to win and to play well. What happens is that the opponents know that, and close down our attack.
"But at Levante, for example, we were able to win a game that in the past we may not have done. We have belief and self-esteem, and faith in our ability. We'll know that sooner or later we'll score even without playing at our best, as at Levante. But in the Bernabeu, we know what we can do for the fans, and they're happy. So we're on the right track."
On his own prospects, Raul was asked if he was going to finish the season in strong fashion.
"I prefer to think of the squad," he shrugged.
"I hope to continue scoring, but the most important thing is to keep on playing with joy. We've had an interesting six months, especially in that we've recovered the values lost in previous seasons.
"But now we face a tough five months, starting at the Calderon. That's why we cannot fail on Sunday.
"My target of twenty goals? Just nine left to go! I always said that I'd do well playing in my natural position up front. The coach has put me there and that's improved my performance, but I can't lower my guard as there is competition. Plus, I'd trade in all my goals to help Madrid win titles and matches. Never think in the first person.
"Ronaldinho's treatment? I'm not bothered by what happens at Barcelona. Dinho is a great player and it's clear that it is injury that's kept him from performing to his best. But once again he'll be a great player. When Barca get Eto'o and Messi back they'll fight for all the titles."
In closing... what would Raul do if he was left out of Euro 2008?
"All I want is to concentrate on my club, Real Madrid, and not talk about this," sighed the forward.
"That's best for everyone. I won't speak on this matter again until the end of the season. Everyone knows what I think, and to talk about it again is detrimental to all. I just want to remain calm and think of Madrid."
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