Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists form will have no influence on Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona.
Real Madrid host Quique Setien's side at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in a clash that could decide the destination of this season's LaLiga Santander trophy.
"It's not just any other game," Ramos told LaLiga.
"Despite there just being three points at stake, as there is in every game, El Clasico is a game unlike any other. Beating Barcelona would bring us great joy.
"What's more, it usually has a really positive impact on the group in terms of morale.
"Both teams know that and it's something that we have to deal with as best we can to turn it into an incentive that drives you on to victory.
"Right from the start of the week, the whole experience is different. It brings a lot of media attention, but that's also what makes this game so great, LaLiga, the players... The feeling you get is one that comes from inside, it's really hard to explain."
Ramos became the record appearance-maker in Clasico history with 43 during December's goalless draw at the Camp Nou.
"To be the player with the most El Clasico appearances is a massive source of joy," he noted.
"I hope that I can go on and play in many more. That'd be a good sign, because it'd mean that I was here for many more years. And if I can come out on the winning side, all the better. It's also a reward for the hard work and sacrifice over so many years.
"You're not in football for the individual prizes, but it's very gratifying to receive individual awards and to beat records that appeared out of reach. That's a great motivator.
"I have the very same excitement as when I contested my first Clasico. I don't play the game as if it were my last, I play it as if it were my first, with the utmost ambition and desire to secure victory.
"The secret lies in hard work, dedication, not losing your ambition; that's vital. Staying at the top is difficult, but I try to start afresh to continue to battle for more silverware, retain my excitement and the ambition to achieve new things. That's one of the keys."
