Barcelona are set to face Real Madrid in the first league El Clasico of the season as the Catalan club aim to go nine points clear at the top.
Ahead of the game, midfielder Fermin Lopez has opened up about the defeat to PSG and the challenge of facing Real Madrid.
The La Masia graduate insisted that Barcelona remain confident despite their Champions League setback.
Fermin reflects on PSG defeat and outlines plan against Real Madrid
In an interview with Barcelona’s official media channel, Fermin revealed that the team were determined to return to winning ways by beating Real Madrid.
“It’s never good to lose any match, especially in the Champions League, but ultimately it’s just one game and three points,” Fermin explained.
“Our focus is now completely on El Clasico. It’s an extremely important match, and we’re very eager to get back to winning ways.”
The midfielder believes Barcelona’s performance against PSG was better than the result suggested.
“I don’t think we played badly against Paris. They’re also a great team and made things difficult for us, but I don’t think we were far from winning.”
Fermin Lopez is determined to perform in the Clasico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Looking ahead to facing Real Madrid, Fermin stressed the importance of remaining faithful to Hansi Flick’s philosophy.
“We have to play our usual way and maintain our good rhythm, while paying attention to the small details because Real Madrid have players with enormous individual quality,” Fermin explained.
“We need to know how to control them. But I think if we execute our style properly, we’ll have a great chance of winning.”
A childhood dream and unfinished business against Real Madrid
For Fermin, El Clasico carries a special emotional significance.
“I feel like time is passing very slowly because it’s a match I’ve always loved playing,” he admitted.
“Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing in El Clasico. This will be my second time playing it at Camp Nou, so I’m very excited and can’t wait,” Fermin said.
His favourite memory is last season’s meeting, when Barcelona celebrated winning La Liga at home against Real Madrid.
Fermin also revealed that he hopes to settle some unfinished business by scoring on Sunday.
“I’ve scored at the Bernabeu before, but we didn’t win, and that still leaves a bitter taste. I hope I can score at Camp Nou on Sunday and that we win. That’s what matters most to me.”
It is worth remembering that Fermin also had a goal ruled out for handball in the build-up during this fixture the season before last, a game that Barça won.
Injuries and emotions cannot become excuses
Dani Olmo is injured for the foreseeable future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Despite Barcelona’s injury concerns, Fermin believes the available players are capable of delivering.
“Absences are not an excuse for us. We have to win with the players available,” Fermin declared.
He also acknowledged the difficulty of keeping emotions under control in such a heated rivalry.
“It’s difficult, especially when you’re a Barcelona supporter and experience these matches differently,” he explained.
“I’m quite an emotional person, so I have to control my actions, stay focused on the pitch and not let my emotions affect my performance.”
With Dani Olmo ruled out for the foreseeable future, Fermin’s form becomes much more important for Hansi Flick and the team.
The Spaniard is likely to start almost every single game in his senior compatriot’s absence, and it remains to be seen how he fares against Real Madrid on Sunday.