Sergio Busquets talks Benzema, Casemiro, PSG, Xavi ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Barcelona are set to take on Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend, in the revered El Clasico. It will be a critical game for Barca, who have yet to secure a win against their esteemed rivals since December 2019.

After five back to back losses, most recently in the Supercopa Espana semi-finals, many expect Barcelona to put up a better fight this time around, seeing how the team is shaping up under Xavi Hernandez.

Speaking to Movistar+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona skipper Sergio Busquets echoed similar thoughts while praising some of the Real Madrid players, including Karim Benzema.

“El Clasico? I expect an ambitious Madrid. They will want to win the match, just like us. We will fight for the ball, let’s see who is stronger,” said Busquets, who went on to reflect how the team feels more confident thanks to the January improvements and the influence of Xavi.

“Our current team? Everything is different: our mentality and confidence. A new coach has arrived and has made many changes. Xavi introduced the philosophy that he had maintained for many years.

“Xavi insists a lot on winning. You enjoy playing both offensively and defensively with him,” the midfielder added.

When asked about some of the Real Madrid stars, Busquets heaped praise on two players, in particular, in the form of Karim Benzema and Casemiro.

“Benzema? You just have to look at his games, his career and everything he does. I admire him a lot! I like all great players.” Asked on whether he feels if Benzema is the most decisive player in La Liga, the midfield responded: “Of course, I’m sure about that.”

Busquets showered praise on Casemiro as well, suggesting: “Casemiro is among the best in his position.”

The 33-year-old also reflected on Real Madrid’s potential strategy in this encounter. “In the Super Cup, Real Madrid played defensively. In front of their fans, they will want to be more aggressive in the attack and have more possession.”

“Real Madrid’s comeback against PSG? Big teams can do that; you score a goal, then another,” the Barcelona captain said about the recent Champions League clash.

“We still have a long way to go, but we know what we want, and that’s the way to go,” said Busquets, who will remain a vital cog in the Barcelona midfield, only in El Clasico but also in the upcoming Europa League fixture against Galatasaray on Thursday.

It is a must-win game for the Catalans, who had drawn goalless in the first leg and now need a win in Istanbul if they are to advance through to the last eight of the Europa League.