Barcelona forward eager to change poor record against Real Madrid this weekend

The most-anticipated fixture of the La Liga calendar comes our way this weekend as Barcelona get set to take on bitter rivals Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The first El Clasico of the season will see the reigning champions lock horns with the current league leaders, with both teams separated by just a solitary point.

Leading up to the game, all the talk has been about Barcelona’s injury list and the absences of key players like Jules Kounde, Pedri, and potentially even Frenkie de Jong, while there is hope that Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski will be ready for the game.

With all that’s been going on, Barça were given yet another injury scare when Joao Felix had to be taken off during the game against Shakhtar Donetsk last night.

Just a bruise…

The 23-year-old forward was taken off in the 74th minute and was seen hobbling off the field, looking in discomfort, leading to concerns over his condition ahead of the Clasico.

But, soon after, Joao Felix took to social media that everything was fine and that he was just dealing with a minor bruise.

Soon after the Portuguese international spoke with Movistar+, where he again reassured about his condition, saying (h/t Mundo Deportivo):

“I’m fine. It was just a little knock. Now I’ll recover and that’s it.”

Eager to address poor record

Joao Felix was then asked about his poor record against Real Madrid, as he has not won a single official match against Los Blancos, nor has he scored a goal against them thus far in his career.

Indeed, Joao Felix has faced Real Madrid eight times in his career, six games with Atletico Madrid and twice with Chelsea (loan), and has not scored a single goal or registered an assist. He has been on the losing side on six of those occasions (D2).

Surprised by the fact, the 23-year-old admitted that he was unaware of it and insisted he would try and change it this weekend.

“I had no idea, but thinking about it, it’s true. Let’s hope it changes this weekend,” said Joao Felix.

The Portuguese international has been a good addition at Barcelona since joining on loan from Athletic Club on the summer transfer deadline day.

With three goals and three assists in all competitions, he has been delivering the goods for Barça in the final third.

Xavi & co. will hope that Joao Felix scores his first official goal against Real Madrid on Saturday and leads Barcelona to a crucial victory.