Barça News
Barcelona players hype up upcoming clash against Real Madrid: ‘Huge challenge and the biggest motivation’
The trip to the Parc des Princes was a blow for Barcelona, who suffered their first defeat of the season against PSG after 12 consecutive victories.
Yet there was an unwritten pact among the Barça faithful that if they had to lose one game this week, the Champions League fixture was the one they could afford.
With that disappointment behind them, attention has swiftly turned to Sunday, when one of the most anticipated Clasicos in recent years gets under way at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona players eager to respond
Several members of the first team wasted little time in processing the result in France and shifting their focus to Real Madrid, with few of players taking to social media to rally the troops.
One of the standout performers in Paris was Xavi Espart, who impressed on his Champions League debut, largely keeping Kvaratskhelia quiet before also surprising the defence to score his first goal in the competition.
The academy graduate, who is available for the game after an injury scare, posted on social media.
“Let’s go all out in the Clasico, always together!! Força Barça,” he wrote, alongside a picture of himself kissing the badge.
Pedri, who endured a tougher evening against the Parisian midfield, was similarly fired up for the chance at redemption.
“Getting back to winning ways in the Clasico is a huge challenge and the biggest motivation. We competed against PSG, against a great rival and on a great stage, and we know the way forward. We have the confidence and we have the football. Let’s go!”
Bernal also fired up
Marc Bernal, who started in Paris and is tasked with deputising for Rodri when required, kept his message short but he, too, is fired up for this game.
“Always together,” declared the young midfielder.
The prospect of landing a blow on their fiercest rivals is a powerful motivator for a squad brimming with belief.
If anything, the defeat to Luis Enrique’s side may have only sharpened their appetite to bounce back in style.
A positive result on Sunday would do far more than simply restore momentum. With Barcelona having set the pace so impressively this season, victory over Real Madrid could prove an early marker in the race for the LaLiga title.
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