The day is almost upon us, a date that we all put in red as soon as it is announced: El Clásico. On Saturday at 4.15pm CEST, FC Barcelona face Real Madrid for the first time this season at the Estadi Lluís Companys. Ahead of the clash we spoke to five members of Xavi Hernández’s squad to get an idea of how the Barça squad are approaching the game agains the current La Liga leaders.
First Clásico at Montjuïc
The meeting of Barça and Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic wlll be the first ever Clásico at the stadium, a fact not lost on Danish defender Andreas Christensen. “It will be a different experience, in a new stadium, but it is at home and we will have our fans there and they are so important,” said the central defender.
Marcos Alonso, a role model
One of the older heads in an increasing young Barça squad is Marcos Alonso. The veteran defender recognises that injuries have hit the side in recent weeks but it has not stopped the team from picking up points. “We are getting results in matches even on days when we are not at our best. I try to bring my experience to bear for the young players as I have been in their position and it is always good when an older players gives you some advice,” revealed the full back.
Fermín and Lamine, debuts
Two players who have exceeded all expectations this season are Fermín López and Lamine Yamal and the two players are hoping to make their first appearance in an official Clásico on Saturday. For midfielder Fermín, it is difficult to believe that just a year ago he was playing for Linares in the third tier of Spanish Football. “It was unthinkable at that time, but I did learn a lost. Now, I am dreaming about winning a Clásico. We won in preseason but this time is a competitive game and it will be a dream to win it,” said the man of the match in the recent Champions League win over Shakhtar.
Whilst Fermín was playing for Linares 12 months ago, a 15 year old Lamine Yamal was causing a stir playing for the Barça U19 side. “It was impossible for a 15 year old to imagine everything I have done up to now. I was only thinking about enjoying playing for the U19s,” said the now 16 year old.
If Lamine makes an appearance against Real Madrid he will become the youngest player ever to appear in the fixture. However, that is not something he is thinking about: “Everything I do, being so young, is a record almost. People tell me but the most important thing for me is for hte team to win and that I enjoy it.”
More then three points
Another possible Clásico debutant is Iñigo Martínez. The Basque central defender is well aware of the significance of the contest: “It’s not just about three points, winning a Clásico brings a lot more. If we work hard we can beat Real Madrid and that will be special for me in my first one. I can’t wait for the day to come.”
The squad is ready for the showdown and confident that the first Clásico of 2023/24 will be blaugrana.
